Several approaches being used to support students in distance education programs in the United Kingdom, the United States, and other countries are described. Britain's Open University support services are offered through tutor-counselors in about 260 local study centres throughout the United Kingdom. Students are assigned to specialist tutors who deal with the academic content of the course and mark their assignments. In addition, self-help or study groups are sources of support in distance education in the Open University system. In the United States, the mentor system and contract learning illustrate concern to develop appropriate support for students. Assigned to 25-30 students, the mentor initially helps each student develop an individual study program and is then involved in all aspects of the student's progress, with weekly or biweekly consultations. In University Without Walls institutions in the United States, a teacher-advisor helps students develop a learning contract that serves as a basis for evaluating each student's performance. Various types of educational technologies are also a source of support in distance education. (SW)