A free university is defined as a community learning center that connects people who want to teach or learn with resources to meet their needs. The free university for Man, located at Kansas State University in Manhattan, is described. (MLW)

Discusses the conceptual development of a cooperative multi-state delivery network created in the intermountain states to provide informational and educational resources for rural residents. Open universities, the rural library as a Community Learning and Information Center, and problems of distance and small, scattered populations are noted. (EJS)

The appearance of open universities in Asia is of interest to Australian educators, particularly since the Asian institutions differ in some respects from the British model which combined open entry to all and extensively employed the electronic media. The Asian Open Universities have provided access to higher education for many. (SSH)

Characteristics of both successful and unsuccessful tutors at the Open University are illustrated, based on first-hand observation of staff members. Areas covered include: knowledge and handling of subject matter, general teaching skills, classroom skills, social competence, values and work rate, administrative competence, and style. (LBH)

Recounts the history and development of the University Without Walls (UWW) program now underway at more than 20 colleges and universities nationwide. Describes the highly individualized and flexible program of learning, key ideas and concepts, degree and accreditation considerations, and financial implications. (Author/JH)

Surveys the rapid acceleration of innovation in recent years. (MB)

Defines an approach to the evaluation of autonomous multimedia distance learning systems which covers both the institution's overall performance and specific features within the institution. Aspects of evaluation discussed include design of evaluation systems as well as evaluating output, cost-effectiveness, curriculum, instructional resources,…

Reviews the background, development, and structure of the Open Tech Programme--a new British experiment in open learning--and compares it with the Open University with respect to their aims and methodologies. Funding and quality control are also discussed, and some advice is offered for other countries contemplating similar developments. (EAO)

Discusses the production of videotaped courses at the postgraduate level and their use by industry in the U.S. and compares this development with that of educational television in United Kingdom universities. An assessment of the future for this form of open/distance learning is given. Seventeen references are listed. (LLS)

Ways in which the Open University can meet its stated objective in adult education of meeting the educational needs of the community are addressed, including planning by inspired guesswork, national surveys, and expert consultation. Helping learners assess their own needs and structuring the helping process to enable better recruitment and…

This paper examines the world-wide phenomenon of distance education in terms of student characteristics, course creation, two-way communication methods, and some theoretical approaches. (Author/SJL)

Describes the development of computer education and computer-aided learning during the first ten years of the British Open University and discusses some of the problems associated with the use of computers in distance education. (Author)

The extent to which the Open University has achieved its goal of openness is assessed in terms of three policy areas (administrative, educational, and informational) and of graduates' success. It is proposed that an even more open policy is now needed. (MSE)

Some of the effects of deafness are examined in the context of learning and suggestions are offered for identifying and alleviating them. Up to 200 Open University students could benefit from special services such as those described in the six case studies in this article. They all received transcripts of radio and television programs to…

Student response to student-centered learning at the Open University was surveyed in a questionnaire sent to all students completing a course called "Man-made Futures: Design and Technology." It was found that student projects are popular, regarded as difficult but satisfactory, and require tutorial support. (LBH)