The development of a student-centered approach to learning to study is described, and its strengths and weaknesses are noted. Two study skills workshops run by the Open University are also outlined, along with practical tips on how to make them work. (LBH)

This article argues for another commitment by the Open University in a new field of educational technology based on the telephone. Consideration is given to one-to-one telephone calls for tutorial purposes, conference calls, teaching by satellite, and meeting by telephone. (LBH)

This is a short review of the progress of some members of the Open University Technology Faculty in researching, discussing, and preparing a project course for first presentation in 1979, in which students will design and carry out their own project on any topic relating to the subject areas within the Technology Faculty. (Author/LBH)

Describes an evaluative study conducted at the Universitas Terbuka (Indonesia) that examined the role of face-to-face tutorials as an optional supplement to other instructional materials at a distance education institution. Attitudes, characteristics, and roles of the tutors are examined, and student attitudes are briefly discussed. (21…

Describes the distance mode of delivery in higher education practiced at the Open University of Tanzania (OUT). Highlights some of the distinctive features of the system and the main problems identified during interviews with twelve students, eight full-time academic members of staff, and seven managers of OUT. Concludes with suggestions for…

The paper gives a brief overview of the use of digital video in distance education, the background to The Open University's Digital Video Applications (DiVA) Project, the contexts in which the Digital Video Library system is being used and some evaluation findings. Through DiVA, the university is investigating how it can use its video assets…

This article reports the findings of a 3 year research project which investigated disciplinary variation in student writing. Within an Open University course in the history of science, students from an arts background were found to achieve significantly higher grades than those from a science background. Textual and interview data suggest that…

This paper presents the challenges involved in designing a full set of online tutorial materials for a beginners' Spanish course for distance language learners utilising an online audiographic conferencing VLE for synchronous oral interaction. Although much has been written about task design and task-based learning and teaching (TBLT) in language…

This article discusses some of the principal policy issues regarding the structure of postsecondary education that are facing Ontario. The discussion is divided into four sections, the first three of which concern particular aspects of the structure of postsecondary education. The first deals with questions pertaining to the appropriate structure…

Although extensive research has been carried out, describing the role of feedback in education, and many theoretical models are yet available, procedures and guidelines for actually designing and implementing feedback in practice have remained scarce so far. This explorative study presents a preliminary six-phase design model for feedback…

Based on the authors' reflections on experience working at the Open University, approaches to making online learning accessible to disabled students are considered. The considerations are applicable to all concerned with online learning and indeed anyone seeking to trade, disseminate information and mediate services online. In reflecting on the…

Shows how management training at Lloyds TSB Independent Financial Advisers has helped to boost enthusiasm among line managers, improve communication between departments and create a new momentum within the organization. Describes how the Open University Business School professional certificate in management was combined with activities to enrich…

This paper examines the origins, objectives and structures, funding and cost, programs, learners, and teaching and learning of the radio and television universities in China and the British Open University (BOU). It also discusses the nature and role of each of these entities, including growth and development of higher education and the…

Andhra Pradesh Open University (APOU), the first university in India modeled on the British Open University, provides opportunities for higher education through the use of multimedia systems to supplement correspondence education; offers equality of educational opportunities; allows flexibility with regard to eligibility for enrollment;…

After a brief review of the literature and definition of educational technology, this paper describes the process of mathematics instruction at the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL). It is noted that the unique situation at OUSL and the abstract nature of mathematics make it necessary to modify the system of distance education because it is…