This paper focuses on the experience, reflections, and best practices related to training adult education researchers in an adult learning and leadership doctoral program at a Research I institution in the United States. We discuss embedding technology into the curriculum, fostering connections, and supporting the development of self-directedness…

Purpose: This paper seeks to ascertain the effectiveness of a two-week-long faculty development programme (FDP), organized by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), for teachers of the open and distance learning (ODL) system, with the aim of upgrading their knowledge and skills for developing print self-learning materials (SLMs). The…

This design case looks closely at the unique elements of redesigning an online nutrition course from April 2016 to April 2017. The online course was designed, developed, and offered for students through Brigham Young University Independent Study (BYUIS). During the course of one year, the author and stakeholders collaborated and made several…

Distance learners determine the time and place for their studies--those engaged in self-paced study may also choose the rate at which they proceed through their courses. However, it is difficult to incorporate purposeful learner-learner interaction into self-paced study. A multiple-case study included three open universities with in-house design…

This paper evaluates the development of a personalised learning approach within a professional distance learning course. The issues arising are of relevance to academics engaged in course development, with an emphasis on fostering independent learning. The course focuses on enabling student teachers to develop their generic skills, attributes and…

"Independent learning" has become a catchphrase in Britain's Open University, especially since a 1984 report recommending that courses be designed and taught so that students can become progressively independent as learners. Although the phrase means many things to different people, it also provides an opportunity to appraise teaching…

Discusses the development of a correspondence course in oral history at Brigham Young University (Utah). Examines the difficulties encountered when teaching such a course outside the classroom environment. Provides a list of course objectives and assesses its preliminary success. (GEA)

Describes the development, purpose, and content of an independent-study course developed by academic librarians from ten colleges and universities in Utah and taught via the World Wide Web. "Internet Navigator" emphasizes information literacy rather than Internet mechanics. Discusses student and faculty responses, collaboration, and…

Distance education may be considered in two ways: (1) as a substitute for conventional, face-to-face education; and (2) as a mode of education in its own right. Those who view distance education the first way treat students as members of a class and include a fixed schedule of classes, assignments, and course duration. Those viewing distance…

Discusses computer-mediated communication (CMC) in distance education. Topics addressed include recent research that focused on the use of CMC-delivered courses in distance education; self-directed learning and learner autonomy; independent study; learner controlled instruction; critical thinking; collaborative learning; and curriculum change. (45…

This final report represents the responses of 76 institutions to the 1990-91 annual survey of the Division of Independent Study, National University Continuing Education Association (NUCEA). Data describe enrollments and program practices in college-level, high school, and noncredit programs. Eight tables and five figures provide information on…

This booklet outlines specific strategies to help teachers prepare an effective self-study course for students enrolled in nontraditional study. The guide is organized in four chapters that cover the following topics: (1) consideration of students and their motivation; (2) preparation of an effective course (conceptualization--goals, expectations,…

From 1980 to 1990, the number of native Spanish speakers in the service region of Virginia's Germanna Community College (GCC) increased significantly. In response, GCC implemented a Spanish language occupational/technical curricula for law enforcement personnel and health professionals. Classes focused on the development of highly effective…

The CLASS (Communication, Learning, and Assessment in a Student-centered System) Project is creating a complete, accredited, high school sequence for delivery on the World Wide Web. The Department of Distance Education of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) is a recipient of $18 million in federal funding to develop the sequence. When…

A child development course was offered as a web-based, asynchronous distance learning course by the Department of Family and Child Development in the College of Human Resources and Education at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University during summer 1996. The course was initiated to respond to the demand for flexible distance learning…