Open Learning

Aims & Scope

Open Learning a leading international journal in the field of open, flexible and distance learning.

The Journal is widely subscribed to and read throughout the world by those in specialist distance education institutions, and also by those using distance, flexible and technology based forms of learning in conventional education and training contexts.

Open Learning publishes three kinds of article: -theoretical and evidence-based scholarly articles reflecting developments in open, distance and e-learning -shorter practical articles describing the implementation of forms of open, flexible and distance learning likely to interest our international readership -book reviews.

Articles are peer reviewed by an international panel of experts in the field, are accepted from contributors world wide and reflect developments in the field globally.

In 2019, the time taken between initial submission and first peer review decision was on average 8-9 weeks.

View Aims & Scope

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Metrics & Ranking

Impact Factor

Year	Value
2025	3.1
2024	3.20

SJR (SCImago Journal Rank)

Year	Value
2024	0.850

Quartile

Year	Value
2024	Q1

h-index

Year	Value
2024	45

Journal Rank

Year	Value
2024	6213

Journal Citation Indicator

Year	Value
2024	287

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Abstracting & Indexing

Journal is indexed in leading academic databases, ensuring global visibility and accessibility of our peer-reviewed research.

• Scopus
• Google Scholar
• Web of Science

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Subjects & Keywords

Journal’s research areas, covering key disciplines and specialized sub-topics in Social Sciences, designed to support cutting-edge academic discovery.

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Most Cited Articles

The Most Cited Articles section features the journal's most impactful research, based on citation counts. These articles have been referenced frequently by other researchers, indicating their significant contribution to their respective fields.

• Planning Student Support for Open and Distance Learning

  Citation: 135

  Authors: Alan

• The impact of web-logs (blogs) on student perceptions of isolation and alienation in a web-based distance-learning environment

  Citation: 124

  Authors: Michele

• Student retention in distance education: are we failing our students?

  Citation: 116

  Authors: Ormond

• Adopting HyFlex in higher education in response to COVID-19: students’ perspectives

  Citation: 109

  Authors: Lucas, Benjamin Luke

• Open Educational Resources: reviewing initiatives and issues

  Citation: 106

  Authors: Susan

• The four ‘R’s of openness and ALMS analysis: frameworks for open educational resources

  Citation: 105

  Authors: John, David, Jared, Aaron

• The impact on retention of interventions to support distance learning students

  Citation: 105

  Authors: Ormond

• Self–efficacy and student satisfaction in the context of blended learning courses

  Citation: 96

  Authors: Rezart

• Rethinking Learner Support: The challenge of collaborative online learning

  Citation: 94

  Authors: Mary

• Collaborative online learning: interaction patterns and limiting factors

  Citation: 94

  Authors: Yvonne Y.H.

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