Implementing remote and blended higher education courses motivated the design for new support services for autonomous learning. Thus, combining a competence-based approach and self-regulation, the COMPER project offers a service to be used in addition to the courses. It consists of a graphical presentation of the learners' competency profile…

This article discusses principles involved in developing course materials for technology-mediated Chinese language learning, with examples from a new course designed to take into account the needs of distance and independent learners. Which learning environment is most efficient for a given learning activity needs to be carefully considered. It…

Concerns about a lack of face-to-face contact with students, a focus on grading rather than teaching, and limited expertise with technology or needed pedagogical strategies, may contribute to instructor reluctance to teach online. The interaction between the instructor and learner and among learners affects the quality and success of online…

This formative evaluation within a graduate initial teacher education program sought to identify student teachers' perceptions of lecturer practice and its influence on their developing practice. Data collected from course and teaching evaluations and focus group interviews suggested that microstructural course elements--lectures, tutorials, and…

The role of learner autonomy and self-regulated learning in distance education has received much attention. The application of these concepts impacts course design and, potentially, learner achievement. In the case of distance language learning, course designers must consider not only how to help learners gain communicative competence but also…

This study explored a conceptual model of learning in Web courses which proposed relationships between self-regulated learning skills, course structure, computer technology experience, and satisfaction with perceived learning in Web courses. Results indicated that self-regulated learning skills are directly related to satisfaction with learning at…

Describes a one-year experiment in self-directed learning for intermediate English students at the School of Mining Engineering of Nancy (France). Analyzes students' responses to a questionnaire and teachers' observations in an attempt to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach as compared to traditional second language courses. (MES)

An autoinstructional approach to teaching state and local government is described. The course consists of 40 instructional packages that include specific objectives as a learning guide for students. (RN)

The influence of student personality on the effects of the Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) was examined. Three testing systems (midterm and final exams; bimonthly tests; and PSI) were examined along with three personality dimensions (internal-external locus of control, need for achievement, and need for autonomy). There were no…

Possible ways of developing skills required for effective teaching of independent study and small group instruction are considered. A short series of faculty development courses is reported, and seven main issues in skill development are listed, including structuring and evaluating independent work and integrating other teaching methods. (MSE)