The article describes a research project undertaken with advanced adult learners of German at a distance at The Open University, United Kingdom. Their gains in intercultural competence were investigated by looking at how far the students met the prescribed learning outcomes, their knowledge items, language skills, attitudes towards Germans and…

Educational professional development is a global concern. It is often characterised by event-delivery methods, though there are signs that other approaches are gaining favour. The authors stress the significance of non-formal learning, and the ways in which it can be promoted and enhanced within the activity systems within which teachers in higher…

These occasional papers focus on open learning and distance education. This volume contains four papers on a variety of topics: bridging courses, issues for researchers in evaluating interactive multimedia, designing study materials to address the special needs of distance students, and faculty attitudes concerning technology. Papers are:…

A study analyzed the prior knowledge state of two university populations: students at the Open University (OU) of the Netherlands and students at the University of Limburg (UL). Analysis of the prior knowledge state was based on an extensive analysis of the literature in relation to theories, models, and practice-based strategies about the…

This publication is one of a series designed as a companion to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE)'s fact book, "Policy Indicators for Higher Education: WICHE States." The title article maintains that the growth of distance learning programs has heightened existing concerns about their quality. Institutions can…

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) is one of Thailand's two official open universities. STOU has no on-campus classes. Instead, it offers self-instructional packages in a distance education format and conducts optional tutorials in local study centers throughout Thailand. STOU's curriculum, which is designed to provide educational…

The papers (from a symposium held at the Fern Universitat) included in this collection focus on distance education in theory and practice. Contributions are written in English or in German, with summaries available for each in the language not used for the paper concerned. Contributions are: (1) "Distance Education as Communication: The…

The Triad Perspective Model of Distance Education (TPMDE) guides researchers in developing research questions, gathering data, and producing a comprehensive description of a distance education program. It was developed around three theoretical perspectives: (1) curriculum development theory (Tyler's four questions, 1949); (2) systems theory…

The purpose of this paper is to give those who work in distance education a better awareness of the factors at work in developing nations and to help those whose profession is national development gain a fuller understanding of distance education. It begins with a discussion of the process of national development which focuses on the factors that…

This paper is a response to a presentation by Joseph Pelton at the 15th World Congress on Distance Education (Caracas, Venezuela, November 1990). The response argues that, while newer technologies will impact on distance education, they will not be the panacea suggested by Pelton. The response also points out that not all "new" technologies are…

Designed to raise awareness of the implications of cable television and satellites for the Open University, this paper indicates why cable television developments will affect the university and the wide range of university people and departments who will be affected by such developments. Four main issues that the university will have to deal with…

A discussion of the future of adult second language learning in Great Britain begins with an overview of the field's current state. It is argued that the large number of adults pursuing foreign language learning in a variety of institutions is not matched by quality of offerings, and attrition is high. A national testing program was developed in…

Case study methodology was used to provide an in-depth examination of influences on distance learners' achievement attributions in order to gather data about educational orientation, study approaches, and beliefs about success and failure. The four subjects were drawn from 15 first-year distance learners pursuing degrees at Anadolu University's…

This paper gives an account of the use of the CoSy conferencing system in an introductory information technology course at the British Open University in 1988. A discussion of the integration of the CoSy system into the existing curriculum is followed by descriptions of the conferencing environment and the interface to CoSy. Profiles of students…

The philosophy and implementation of the Community Leaders Project at Everyman's University (EU), the Open University of Israel, are discussed. The project is designed to narrow social gaps in Israel by upgrading the educational level of disadvantaged populations and by developing indigeneous leadership for decision-making in the most…