This project investigated the use of external examiners by institutions accredited by the Open University Validation Services (OUVS) in England. The investigation involved visiting 18 accredited institutions and interviewing 10 external examiners. The study found widespread approval of the contribution made by external examiners. Reasons given for…

An overview of how the need for educational technologists brought in an influx of new ideas from younger people when the Open University created a demand for technologists. (HB)

The United Kingdom's Open College uses the "Quality Code of Practice" as a framework for developing procedures and standards. This is an account of current developments that indicate the nature of their strategies. (JOW)

This paper seeks to examine the use of synchronous and asynchronous messaging systems with distance education students and the implications for student interaction and learning in the institutionalized Integrated Virtual Learning Environment (IVLE) of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU). It will present, as a case in point,…

This document presents the norms and standards for management education through distance mode that were considered and approved by the Distance Education Council (India) at its 12th meeting held on December 22, 1996. The document contains the following sections: (1) Introduction; (2) Curriculum Design; (3) Eligibility Criteria; (4)…

This paper attempts to pinpoint some of the problems involved in designing mass-media courses for adults and some of the ways in which research can assist both producers and the users of such courses. (Authors)

Discusses the British experiment with use of multimedia for instruction. (JF)

The second in a series of short descriptive papers concerning Britain's newly-established Open University. The author discusses the nature of the teaching materials being developed by the university and some of the difficulties involved in producing these materials. (AK)

This typology classifies distance education according to the kinds of instructional support provided by educational agencies and by the dimensions of learner self-sufficiency. The classification is then applied to the educational delivery system in British Columbia. (SK)

In response to the need of adults, especially in rural areas, for more flexibility in course scheduling, a Welsh community education agency designed a home-based learning program. Courses typically consisted of a tutorial every three weeks, homework, self-tests, and assignments submitted by mail. (SK)