Current practice of telephone instruction across Britain's Open University undergraduate program is reviewed, based on regional data collected. Factors affecting the development of telephone tutoring and issues in its appropriateness are reviewed. (MSE)

The open university teaching system is grounded in an inappropriate theory of learning, with too much emphasis placed on the didactic approach to the presentation of knowledge and the student's ability to memorize it. Andragogic and pedagogic perspectives should be combined in designing courses. (MSE)

An Open University tutor in the arts describes the experience of conducting conference call tutorials for groups of up to eight students taking a correspondence-type course. Specific techniques are discussed: initial approach designed to make individual students at ease, ways of getting all students involved in dialogue, etc. (JT)

The main kinds of difficulty experienced by disabled students and the many practical ways they have been approached are summarized. The important role played by the Open University, given necessary resources and sufficient flexibility, is meeting the needs of students who would otherwise find study almost impossible. (LBH)

A worldwide survey of 89 institutions teaching languages at a distance was undertaken to learn of alternative delivery systems and teaching methods (textbooks, workbooks, audiocassettes, radio, television, and others). Skills taught are compared with program components at Canada's Athabasca University. (MSE)