Reports the results of a comparative study of the 26 open universities in Asia (of 12 Asian countries/regions) conducted by the Center for Research in Distance and Adult Learning, Open University of Hong Kong. Topics explored were: gender/age distribution of the students; leadership styles; teaching and delivery model; methods and forms of student…

The Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK) study showed student support services were an important component of distance education. One of the factors differentiating between high/low-achievers was that the former were more active in seeking help. This project explored what factors promote or inhibit use of peer support, and how it might be utilized…

In the euphoria about new technologies in distance education there exists the danger of not sufficiently considering how ever increasing "virtualization" may exclude some student groups. An explorative study was conducted that asked disabled students about their experiences with using computers and the Internet. Overall, those questioned mentioned…

Examines vital design issues pertaining to the "Online Self-Test," a simple solution for dealing with concerns about lack of time and lack of motivation in distance education. Presents experiences gained during the implementation of the Online Self-Test Center for Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University, Nashik, India, and demonstrates how…

Identifies and explains the parameters relevant for self-assessment and accreditation of programs in distance mode institutions. Discusses general perspectives on quality; defining quality in higher education and in open learning and distance education modes; organization structure of open universities; measurement of quality; parameters for…

Investigates the relationship of gender and residential background (urban and rural) on three components of achievement motivation of distance learners: work, mastery and competitiveness. Participants were 224 distance learners from the International Center for Distance Education and Open Learning, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla. Findings are…

Presents the characteristics and development of self-learning material (SLM) in distance education. Discusses teaching with programmed learning; structure of SLM; and how SLM helps in self-study. Discusses the advantages of print materials as accompanying programmed instruction, because they are portable, well-structured, compact, and easily…

Addresses recent developments in Web-based electronic distance learning in the United States with special attention to its historical antecedents in correspondence education. Discusses distance education within higher education, offers predictions for the future, and considers implications for continuing education professionals and applications of…

Examines the role and effectiveness of radio and television programs in distance and open learning systems based on a survey of students at Bangladesh Open University. Offers recommendations for improvements, including extending the time span, ensuring the quality of presentations, teacher involvement, and audio and video cassette…

Discussion of the use of self-instructional materials (SIMs) in distance learning at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and State Open Universities (SOUs) in India. Focuses on the need for Correspondence Course Institutes in conventional Indian universities to transform printed course materials into SIMs. Discusses revision and…

Focuses on open learning for higher education. Discusses the legacy of the 20th century; ways higher education is changing; why open universities are important in the 21st century; whom open universities should serve; and what, how, and where open universities should teach. Concludes that open universities and open learning will have a central…

Presents results of a study on the use of learning activities in self-instructional materials by distance learners of the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). It shows that learners make use of the activities extensively as they have positive perceptions about benefits of Self-Assessment Questions and Terminal Questions given in the…

A study was conducted at one of the study centers of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) to find out what extent material is self-instructional, and other factors related to print material and its effectiveness in distance education. Results are presented in this article. One major finding was that to a large extent, students were…

Discussion of the nature of professional development in distance education conceptualizes the different forms that professional development can take and then focuses on developer-led learning. Highlights include social interaction; knowledge advantages and knowledge deficits; conflicting values; organizational struggles; and experiences at the…

This study investigated factors that caused women students to consider dropping out of distance education studies. Results from questionnaires and interviews from female students at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) showed low grades, personal problems, and difficulties with getting course materials on time caused them to consider…