The Open University is discussed from the standpoints of problems, the design of the Student Application Form, an analysis of the student's progress, data collection techniques, and the course unit reporting system. Problems discussed include: the devising of an integrated multi-media system suitable for teaching degree-level courses; teaching effectively at a distance; and teaching mature students with a wide range of educational backgrounds, experience, ability, and home situations. Sections of the Student Application Form are presented in figures. A student progress calendar and intervening 'milestones' for 1970-71 and student progress by course are illustrated. Baseline questionnaire data obtained from 77% of the students who registered are discussed and illustrated. A sample of questions on the Report Form on Course Units is provided, and two graphs show the television viewing and radio listening figures for a 10-week period. A histogram shows the average attendance, by course, over all the weeks of the school year, as well as the highest and lowest individual weeks. The average hours spend on each unit over the 10 weeks of the course, for each of four courses (science, humanities, maths, and social science) in 1971, are also shown in histograms. (DB)