A five-year study of the bachelor of science in nursing program at Regents College documents the plausibility and efficacy of a program in which learning is self-directed and acquired primarily through resources external to the institution and which is validated and certified by objective assessment instruments and procedures. (JOW)

The University of Southern California (USC) Library School offered an experimental self-paced, independent learning program during the 1976-1977 academic year to help those students who desire this type of professional training but are unable to attend classes on a daily or semi-weekly basis in the traditional pattern of scheduling. Program…

The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a credit by examination program offered by the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) as an alternative to formal college education for independent learners. In 1970 the CEEB began to work with public libraries in providing help to the independent learner who wished to participate in the CLEP…

Three external degree programs--National Ed.D. Program for Educational Leaders, Nova University (Florida); University External Studies Program, University of Pittsburgh; and Field Centered Courses, Department of Early Childhood Education, Kent State University--are compared on the basis of a series of questions. Is the course designed for a…

The primary objective of this study is to aid policy makers - state and federal officials, accreditation officials, and university administrators - in making decisions concerning the regulation of postsecondary external degree programs. The purpose of this project is to identify the legal and regulatory issues that the operation of these programs…

An investigation was conducted for the purpose of creating a valid and reliable instrument that could serve the Nova University ( Florida) Programs for Higher Education (PHE) central administrative and field staff in counseling new field-based doctoral students who have exhibited less positive or negative attitudes toward independent learning.…

Described are current postsecondary educational programs in California that are designed primarily for: (1) over-25 adults with job and family responsibilities that preclude full-time residence degree study and (2) younger adults interested in a form of education that does not preclude wage earning and continuing involvement in their local…

The initiation of an individualized baccalaureate degree at the General College of the University of Minnesota led to an increased burden on the faculty. A study identifying how much "real time" faculty spend in advising, with whom, and on what kinds of activities is presented. (JMF)

This report of a conference on distance learning/adult education programs contains the following papers: "Adult Learners, Distance Education, and Technology: It's the Future, but Can We Get There from Here?" (Gulliver, Wright); "Minority Student Response to External Adult Degree Program Education" (Gillett, Sutphin); "Methods in Project…

The University Without Walls program at Hofstra University was approved as an experimental unit within New College in 1973. The UWW program is competency-based, with students developing individual programs of study. Educational plans and prior learning from college and life experience are stated in learning contracts with short- and long-term…

The external degree movement is raising critical questions for higher education. It is necessary for advocates of new programs to deal with the basic assumptions underlying higher education in America. Faculty governance, the determination of what constitutes worthwhile knowledge, the selection of some subject matters and the rejection of others,…

A study sought to determine the rate of retention of adult students in the University of Minnesota College Program for Individualized Learning (PIL) for the 1983-84 academic year, as well as factors that might relate to this retention rate. A review was made of the 67 applications submitted by students admitted to PIL during that year to determine…

Home study as an effective method of adult education is discussed. Results of several major university research studies are cited and examples of the use of home study by labor unions, professional and trade groups, the federal government, and the armed services are presented. Support for the method by legislative and regulatory bodies (such as…

Regents College of the University of the State of New York (USNY) offers nursing degree programs that are self-paced and accessible for adult learners. Students receive guided independent study in the form of advisement and degree planning, but learning course content is the responsibility of the student. An evaluation of the program was conducted…

Completion and cost data for six courses delivered in two different modes--home study and paced package--through Athabasca University were analyzed. Students in a home study course received tutorial support via the telephone and progress through the course was at the discretion of each individual learner. Students in a paced package course…