Discusses the use of audiocassettes to support students in distance education. While tutor tapes will never be the primary means of student support because they are not interactive, they should be considered as a low cost, flexible option. (AVAIL: Open University, Northwest Region, 70 Manchester Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester, M21 1PQ,…

Presents information about a research project being conducted in an attempt to establish a systematic categorization process designed to enhance the predictive value of a counselor's assessment of distance learners' needs. (AVAIL: Open University, Northwest Region, 70 Manchester Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester, M21 1PQ, England.) (JOW)

Paper consists of two parts: (1) postgraduate distance studies at university level in technical college pedagogics, in which technical college teachers are qualified as creative personalities and undertake academic work aimed at distance education of a high value; and (2) research of the participants concerning distance education at technical…

The American Open University idea was conceived as a logical follow-up to the University of Mid-America which had started in Nebraska, spread to a large geographic region, and began to market its media materials to colleges and universities throughout the nation. (Availability: Open University, 70 Manchester Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester,…

In well-established disciplines there is largely traditional agreement about what subject areas should be included. When new disciplines emerge, decisions about their content seem more problematic. This article answers the questions of what distance education as an academic teaching discipline should cover. (Availability: Open University, 70…

This paper outlines a paradigm in the following fashion: select an issue for investigation; conduct theoretical analysis based on an extensive literature review; generate hypotheses; select a research methodology; design instrumentation; and coordinate action research projects on the selected issue in a variety of distance education settings. (SSH)

Reviews distance education in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and discusses its impact on the country. Programs highlighted include the College of External Studies, the correspondence school of the National Department of Education; the University of Papua New Guinea; programs offered by corporations and government departments; and courses from outside PNG.…

Discusses achievement motivation among distance education students, and describes a study of Kenyan primary school teachers enrolled in an in-service training course taught primarily through correspondence. A modified Thematic Apperception Test will be used to determine the correlation between achievement motive and performance score in written…

The future theory and practice of distance education is considered in light of social theory, particularly social structures and systems. Distance education as a multi-national instructional industry is discussed, theories of teaching and learning are described, and 39 references are provided. (LRW)

Reviews a computerized monitoring system for distance education students at Athabasca University designed to solve the problems of tracking student performance. A pilot project for tutors is described which includes an electronic conferencing system and electronic mail, and an evaluation currently in progress is briefly discussed. (LRW)

This discussion of distance education needs from the point of view of the adult student focuses on learner needs. It is suggested that these needs will be met through improvement in program design procedures, increased student support through advising and guidance, and greater cooperation between existing educational agencies. (LRW)

Distance education is important for many physically handicapped students where attendance at a conventional institution is not possible, either because of their physical condition or for reasons in common with the nonhandicapped. This paper examines an area of disability, visual handicap, and examines research into the use of microelectronic…

The history, functions, and organization of the Open University International Documentation Centre on Distance Learning are described. It contains information on distance teaching projects and institutions in over 80 countries, samples of course materials, theoretical information on distance education, and documentation on education in all…