New forms of postsecondary education such as television colleges, contract learning programs, universities without walls, external degree programs, and education brokers have emerged to complement traditional adult and vocational education programs. New patterns and programs contribute to the open learning movement in higher education and offer major alternatives to traditional undergraduate instruction for many young and older students. Some of the undertakings of the Ford Foundation in this field include the University of Mid-America; the University Without Walls; Empire State College in New York; the New York Regents External Degree Program; the Regional Learning Service pioneering in education brokerage; and research projects in costs, evaluation, and dissemination of information about open learning experiences. (CH)