ERIC Number: ED249347
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1980-Oct
Pages: 13
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
A Comparison between Paced Package and Home Study Courses with Respect to Completion Data. REDEAL Research Report #11. Project REDEAL. Research and Evaluation of Distance Education for the Adult Learner.
Spencer, Robert E.; And Others
Completion and cost data for six courses delivered in two different modes--home study and paced package--through Athabasca University were analyzed. Students in a home study course received tutorial support via the telephone and progress through the course was at the discretion of each individual learner. Students in a paced package course received tutorial support via the classroom instructor and progress through the course was instructor-determined. Results indicated that completion rates were substantially higher for paced package courses than for home study courses. In addition, estimated costs per student completion were lower for paced package courses, with one exception. Although the study concluded that paced package courses were more efficient, the study did not recommend the elimination of home study courses but suggested changes that would make them more cost-efficient while still providing a service for those who may not have any other means of acquiring higher education. (Author/KC)
Descriptors: Access to Education, Correspondence Study, Cost Effectiveness, Distance Education, Extension Education, External Degree Programs, Group Instruction, Higher Education, Home Study, Independent Study, Learning Modules, Nontraditional Education, Open Universities, Pacing, Program Costs, Teaching Methods
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Athabasca Univ., Edmonton (Alberta).
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A