This descriptive state-of-the-art report presents a survey of recent distance learning developments in Britain, mainly by local colleges in the public education sector, and discusses the motivation and experience of adult learners. Distance learning in general is examined, and current models of provision and the audiences served by these programs are discussed for three broad categories: (1) Flexistudy, which combines college-based individual and group tutorials with individual correspondence course work; (2) directed private study, which combines work at home on correspondence course style materials with tutoring at local colleges; and (3) individualized home study, in which students arrange a program based on a mixture of currently available distance teaching materials, specially-prepared assignments, directed reading, and exercises. Distance learners and the experience of distance learning are discussed, and findings are reported from a survey of 69 students in two distance learning schemes. A final chapter considers the future development of distance learning for adults and summarizes main findings of preceding chapters. A 30-item reference list is provided, and appendices include a 7-item bibliography of open university research on distance learners, contributors to the report, and the Flexi-Study student profile questionnaire. (LMM)