In contrast to the big industrial mode of distance education, an approach to distance education called "little distance education," is described that is consistent with the traditional goals and values of creating knowledge through a critical community of learners. Discusses meeting the needs of a new market for continuing distance professional…

Reports on a study of student perceptions of learning via audioconferencing using two distinct instructional designs in university-level courses delivered at a distance. The use of field observations, interviews, focus groups, and mail surveys is discussed; pertinent literature is reviewed; and the importance of human interaction in distance…