Open University of Israel facts for kids
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האוניברסיטה הפתוחה
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| Motto | הרבה מעבר לתואר (Hebrew for "far more than a degree") |
|---|---|
| Type | |
| Established | 1974 |
| Chairman | (of the executive Committee): Uri Yaron |
| Chancellor | Dorit Beinisch |
| President | Mimi Ajzenstadt |
| Director | Ruth Shoham |
| Vice-president | Guy Miron |
| Students | 52,102 (2022) |
| Undergraduates | 49,399 (2022) |
| Postgraduates | 2,703 (2022) |
| Location |
Ra'anana
,
Israel
32°11′19″N 34°53′16″E / 32.18861°N 34.88778°E |
The Open University of Israel (Hebrew: האוניברסיטה הפתוחה, Ha-Universita ha-Ptuha) is a special kind of university in Israel. It focuses on distance education, which means students can learn from anywhere. It is one of ten public universities in Israel. The Council of Higher Education (CHE) recognizes it.
A cool thing about the Open University is that you don't need special entrance exams. You don't need a high school diploma or a psychometric test to start. This makes it easier for many people to begin their university studies.
The university uses mostly online learning tools. But students can also join in-person or online classes if they want. The main campus is in Ra'anana. There are also study centers in cities like Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa. Many students study from their homes, both in Israel and around the world.
To graduate, students must complete their courses successfully. They also need to be good at English. The university offers different degrees. These include bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and even a special PhD program in Education.
Contents
History of the Open University
The idea for the Open University started in 1971. A group of experts suggested creating a university for distance learning. They were inspired by the Open University in the UK. The Edmond de Rothschild Foundation (Israel) liked the idea. They offered to help pay for it.
In 1973, the government decided to create a "university for all." This meant a university that anyone could attend. In 1988, its name changed to The Open University of Israel.
The university officially opened in 1976. It started in Ramat Aviv with 2,267 students. Only five courses were offered at first. The university had 130 staff members. This included teachers and course helpers.
In 1995, a new main campus was planned in Ra’anana. It was named the Dorothy de Rothschild campus. The building was finished in 2004. The university's main offices moved there.
How Students Learn at the Open University
Academic Departments and Study Areas
The Open University has seven main academic departments. These departments cover many different subjects. They help students choose what they want to study.
Here are the main study areas:
- History, Philosophy and Judaic Studies
- Language, Literature, and the Arts
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Natural and Life Sciences
- Management and Economics
- Sociology, Political Science, and Communication
- Education and Psychology
Study Method and Flexibility
Studying at the Open University is different from other universities. You study course by course, not year by year. All courses are made for you to study on your own. You use special textbooks and online materials.
Course websites offer more study tools. They also have online forums. Here, you can talk to teachers and other students. You can also join in-person or online classes. These classes help you review what you've learned.
Teachers manage their courses. They create assignments and exams. Tutors help students in weekly classes. They also grade assignments.
Study Programs and Degrees
Courses are grouped into study programs. To get a degree, you need to earn enough credits. Most bachelor's degrees need about 120 credits. The university offers bachelor's, master's, and PhD degrees. You can also get special diplomas.
You can get a general degree in subjects like humanities. Or you can focus on one specific subject. Many degrees let you combine two subjects.
Transferring to Other Universities
The Open University has a special program. It lets students start their studies there. Then, they can transfer to other top Israeli universities. This is great because you don't need entrance exams to start at the Open University. If you do well in certain courses, you can often transfer easily.
Research and Innovation
The university has a Research Authority. It helps teachers with their research projects. It also helps them publish their findings. This department helps connect Open University researchers with others. They work together on new ideas.
Research Centers
The Open University has several research centers. These centers bring together experts from different fields. They work on new scientific knowledge. They also team up with other researchers in Israel and worldwide.
- Research Center for Innovation in Learning Technologies: This center looks at how new technology can help learning. They study how to use technology in teaching. They also work to improve online courses.
- The Institute for the Study of Relations between Jews, Christians, and Muslims: This institute supports research. It also holds events to help people understand these three religions better.
- Astrophysics Research Center (ARCO): This center studies space. They look at topics like cosmology (the study of the universe) and planetary science (the study of planets).
- Open Media and Information Lab (OMILab): This lab works on digital projects. It brings together researchers from different areas. These include sociology, computer science, and education.
Publishing and Course Materials
The university has a department for Academic Development and Publishing. This team creates all the course materials. They make textbooks and online learning tools. The team includes teachers, editors, and designers.
The Open University publishes books under two names: Lamda Scholarship and Lamda Books.
- Lamda Scholarship publishes new research books. These are mainly in humanities and social sciences.
- Lamda Books publishes the university's textbooks. You can buy these books in stores and online. Many students from other universities also use them.
Technology in Distance Education
The Shoham Center helps create and use technology for teaching. They develop online learning systems. They also create online exam tools. The center has modern video studios. They use these to make educational videos and filmed courses.
Supporting Students
More than 50,000 students attend the Open University. It's popular because of its flexible study system. It also offers great support for students.
Many different types of students choose the Open University:
- Adult students: Many adults who work full-time study here.
- High school students: Some high school students take university courses. This is part of the "Academia in High School" program.
- Soldiers: People serving in the military can combine studies with their service.
- International students: The university helps students who live abroad.
- Students with disabilities: Special support systems are in place for them.
Student Association
The Open University's student association helps students. They offer services and activities. They have projects to help students with their studies. They also encourage volunteering in different organizations.
Extra Learning Opportunities
The External Studies Center offers many courses. These are for people who want to learn new skills. They also offer training for professionals.
- Professional Development for Educators: This unit helps teachers improve their skills. They also help schools use new teaching technologies.
- Ascolot School of Interdisciplinary Studies: This school offers courses in many areas. These include arts, music, sciences, and history. They also have public lectures on topics like government and economics.
- Hasifa School of Communication, Television and Multimedia: This school offers courses in communication. Some of these courses can count towards a university degree.
- Tafnit School of Continuing Education for Managers: This school trains managers and business leaders. They offer courses in areas like information science and business coaching.
- Diploma School of Certificate Studies: This school provides professional training. You can learn design, tourism, or bookkeeping. They also prepare students for certification exams.
- DiAlog School of Languages: This school teaches nine different languages. They offer courses for organizations and diplomats.
- Meirav School for Complementary Medicine: This school trains people in different types of complementary therapies.
University Leaders
Presidents of the University
| Portrait | Name | Started | Ended |
|---|---|---|---|
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Max Rowe | 1976 | 1977 |
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Abraham Ginzburg | 1977 | 1987 |
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Nehemia Levtzion | 1987 | 1992 |
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Menahem Yaari | 1992 | 1997 |
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Eliahu Nissim | 1997 | 2003 |
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Gershon Ben-Shakhar | 2003 | 2008 |
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Hagit Messer Yaron | 2008 | 2013 |
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Jacob Metzer | 2013 | 2018 |
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Mimi Ajzenstadt | 2018 | 2023 |
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Leo Corry | 2023 | - |
Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs
| Portrait | Name | Started | Ended |
|---|---|---|---|
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Shneior Lifson | 1974 | 1975 |
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Abraham Ginzburg | 1977 | 1987 |
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Yona Peles | 1977 | 1987 |
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Israel Shatzman | 1979 | 1984 |
| Shalom Reichman | 1984 | 1986 | |
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Ruth Beyth-Marom | 1966 | 1999 |
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Judith Gal-Ezer | 1999 | 2005 |
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Ora Limor | 2005 | 2009 |
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Judith Gal-Ezer | 2009 | 2012 |
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Tamar Hermann | 2012 | 2013 |
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Aviad Heifetz | 2013 | 2017 |
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Sara Guri-Rosenblit | 2017 | 2019 |
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Guy Miron | 2019 | 2023 |
Director Generals
- Ehud Or - 1991–1996
- Giora Ullmann - 1996–2004
- David Klibanski - 2004–2009
- Amit Streit - 2009–2020
- Ruth Shoham - 2021–present
See also
In Spanish: Universidad Abierta de Israel para niños
- List of Israeli universities and colleges
