Current practice of telephone instruction across Britain's Open University undergraduate program is reviewed, based on regional data collected. Factors affecting the development of telephone tutoring and issues in its appropriateness are reviewed. (MSE)

Describes different styles and approaches toward broadcasting which could be used within the Open University Continuing Education Division. Three types of courses using television are discussed: advice courses, how to courses, and why (basis of knowledge) courses. Three references are included. (Author/BK)

Describes the establishment of the Bangladesh Open University (BOU), a university offering tertiary level qualifications and non-formal and secondary-school equivalency programs. Examines academic programs, program development, target population, delivery media (print, radio, audio, human contact), credibility, and sustainability. Argues that BOU…

The relationships between the components of self-regulated learning are investigated, as well as relationships between those components and variables such as educational experience and students' learning styles. A Study Advisory Packet was evaluated. (Author/MLW)

A shift from second-generation open and distance-education technology to third-generation computer-mediated education is often presented unquestioningly as a progression, a move to interactive and student-centered learning, which "must" be an improvement. The reality of the change presents the teacher with new challenges and makes…

Examined the effectiveness of transition-stage interventions (information, reminders, encouragement, a brochure about independent learning strategies, and a list of peer names and addresses) at the Indonesian Open Learning University (Universitas Terbuka) and found no increase in student persistence. Concludes that this might stem from a systemic…

Attempts to demonstrate a relationship between students' approaches to studying in higher education and their perceptions of their academic context have been bedevilled by limitations of the research instruments and the problem of aggregating students' perceptions and approaches across different course units. The extended version of the Course…

This article considers the various uses of e-portfolios in an educational context and looks at the particular characteristics of the electronic version of portfolios. It then focuses on the application of the e-portfolio as an assessment method. A case is made for the use of the e-portfolio as an appropriate end of course assessment process where…

This research is part of a larger study of the factors affecting part-time adult learners. It covers a literature review dealing with three areas of factors that might affect adult learners: (i) social and environmental, (ii) traumatic and (iii) intrinsic factors. This produced 36 factors and was followed by a qualitative study to validate and…

In this article, we describe and discuss the rise and general features of educational-cultural programs for seniors offered by Spanish universities. More specifically, we focus on the historical evolution, types, and characteristics of these programs. Furthermore, we briefly describe the origin, evolution, and characteristics of the Open…

The Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK) offers 199 courses with online features to enhance the distance learning environment. The university has arranged these courses to provide students with greater flexibility in interacting with tutors, classmates, and the content itself. Integral to learner flexibility online is access, valuing computers and…

This qualitative study examines perceptions and use of assignment feedback among adult beginner modern foreign language learners on higher education distance learning courses. A survey of responses to feedback on assignments by 43 Open University students on beginner language courses in Spanish, French, and German indicated that respondents can be…

In 2003-04 the Open University offered its first German beginners' course with a dual tuition strand: tutorials were delivered either face-to-face or online using synchronous, audio-graphic, Internet-based conferencing software. For the new online tutors, a special training programme was designed and delivered. We evaluated the benefits of our…

The main characteristic of Distance Learning is that the student is taught and learns without his tutor's physical presence in the classroom. The opportunity for a direct (face to face) communication between all members of the educational group [tutor counselor (TC) and students] in Distance Learning is offered by the Tutorials/Contact Sessions…

Action research studies in the United Kingdom with Open University students have shown that students come to distance education courses with variable expectations of the levels of service and support they will receive from their tutors. It has been further suggested that a specific expectations-led quality assurance process that enables the…