Student retention in open and distance learning (ODL) is comparatively poor to traditional education and, in some contexts, embarrassingly low. Literature on the subject of student retention in ODL indicates that even when interventions are designed and undertaken to improve student retention, they tend to fall short. Moreover, this area has not…

Predictability of absolute data transaction for real time information and reduction of incalculable data delivery time are the major factors to lead the global education as well as economic system towards a paperless environment. Some universities such as the University of Phoenix, Western Governors University, UK Open University, University of…

This paper describes the efforts of the director of a composition program who is also a teacher of composition at an open admissions college to teach critical thinking by showing students how to use content rather than just acquire it. Applying Jean Piaget's learning theory to classroom teaching, the director attempts to create an active learning…

Several theorists have categorized distance education as an industrial process. Most institutional research can be seen as contributing to this process. This is especially true in the following areas: market research, organization and methods studies, quality control research, the research activities that are components of management information…

This paper discusses a number of problems associated with distance education methods used in adult education and training fields, including limited opportunities for dialogue and group interaction among students and between students and tutors; the expense of updating and modifying mass-produced print and audiovisual materials; and the relative…

More than 500 prospective students intending to enroll for distance study at the Hagen Fernuniversitat described themselves in aspects of their psychosocial attitudes and behavior. Information was gathered on which of these students actually enrolled for distance education and which of them were still registered for a second year. Compared to…

This paper reports on an exploratory study which used Flanagan's Critical Incident Technique to examine students' experiences in taking their first distance education course. Specifically, the study asked what incidents hindered or facilitated persistence in the course, and if reports of experiences from completers of the course were different…

There is an urgent need to restructure universities in Africa; current problems include the loss of autonomy, a decaying infrastructure, inadequate salaries, an internal job market void of opportunities, brain drain, intellectual isolation, diminished research, and fossilized curricula. There is an equal need for a stabilized funding source and…

To overcome the barriers that deny part-time adult learners the opportunity for continuing their educations, the University of Mid-America proposes the creation of a nationwide American Open University (AOU). The AOU will be an independent, accredited institution with its own board, faculty, and administration. It will have regional centers across…

This report describes a study conducted by the Audio-Visual Media Research Group of the Open University to investigate student attitudes, over time, to the value of radio as a course component. Results of a January 1979 survey using a questionnaire are reported with tables and analyzed according to (1) whether a student had access to a VHF radio…

After initial hostility and skepticism to Open Universities, the critical response became more favorable. From 1971 onwards there was a tremendous amount of writing about the Open University, not only in British journals and newspapers but also abroad. This bibliography incorporates over 130 entries dealing with the Open University in Great…

This report discusses briefly the concept of open education and its application at the college and university level. Efforts already underway in the United States and abroad are covered in two appendices. Four models of open universities are described in some detail. One model is based on the extension of community college activities. The second…

This study offers a preliminary description of the faculty members at the University of Minnesota who have worked with University Without Walls (UWW) students outside of the conventional classroom setting. The American Council on Education Faculty questionnaire was sent to 141 university faculty members; 53 percent responded. Findings indicated:…

The Open University, founded in 1969, has already become the largest university in Britain in terms of the number of undergraduate students, with an enrollment of 41,000 in 1973. This paper is concerned with three areas of discussion: (1) the number of teachers studying Open University courses; (2) the courses available or planned in science and…