Non-Formal Distance Learning Courses Offered by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Bulgaria - Availability and Challenges

摘要

The main objective of this paper is to examine the information available on Non-formal Distance Learning Courses (NDLCs) offered by Higher education institutions (HEIs) in Bulgaria from the perspective of adult learners as potential users and to identify good practices which can be useful for future development of this sector. A major source of information is the accessible through the HEI website data. The study results allow the author to define the key elements of good practice in two main areas: 1) NDLCs offered with clear focus on continuous professional development (CPD) and providing detailed information about the key parameters of the NDLCs offered and 2) free access to learning resources as part of the HEIs' learning environment. In the midst of the identified good practices there are a number of challenges that need to be taken into account in the future in order to enhance the role of HEI as a NDLCs provider and adult learners' partner in CPD.