1 EFFECTIVENESS OF DISTANCE LEARNING METHODS IN GREEK HIGHER EDUCATION A. C. Tsakiri 1 , D.Tseles 2 1 Msc Candidate, University of West of Scotland Tel: 2231043612, E-mail: tsakiri@teilam.gr 2 Professor, Department of Automation, T.E.I. of Piraeus, Greece Tel: 2105381200 E-mail: dtsel@teipir.gr Abstract The Distance Learning Courses for Adults (DLCA), offered by the Greek Higher Educational Institutes (GHEI), have rapidly risen in the past few decades. The purpose of such courses is to offer flexible and quality studies to adult learners who seek for special skills and contemporary knowledge. Yet, the great challenge that the Institutes face is whether these new structures finally meet the students' needs. Thus the evaluation of the effectiveness of such technologically enhanced methods becomes a critical issue. This paper presents a theoretical model which evaluates the effectiveness of (DLCA) in Higher Education. The objectives of the present study are; a) To present the special characteristics of adult learners. b) To identify the factors which impact the effectiveness of on line courses for adults, according to the literature. c) To recommend possible ways for improving this method. Keywords Distance learning methods, effectiveness factors, adult learners, evaluation. Introduction The rapid growth of technology and the globalization of economy, during the past two centuries, have made the labor market very demanding as long as it concerns special skills and contemporary knowledge of adults. Education has become a lifelong process, aiming to meet all kinds of learning needs including vocational and technical training, personal upgrade of skills, etc. The traditional - full time educational models which require the students’ physical presence could not fully satisfy the new demand. New-distance educational methods have been developed to provide flexibility, free access and equity in adult learning. Educational Institutes, following this evolution, establish new structures to support LLL for adults; a great number of Distance Learning Courses (DLCs) are delivered world widely offering supplementary studies for any kind of