Since 2004, the National Institute of Education (NIE) in Samtse, Bhutan, has made systematic efforts to introduce information and communication technology (ICT) for learning support into its distance teacher education program. This article describes the early experiences of using ICT for distance education in Bhutan by teachers and students with…

A key component of conventional distance education organizations has been the network of local study centres, set up to serve as a bridge between students and the educational organization. With the capacity of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to enable direct contact between the educational institution and its dispersed students,…

Discussion of need for academic support for distance education students and the role of study centers in providing such support highlights a survey of 1,144 students enrolled in external courses at Capricornia Institute (Australia). Current use of study centres and future use in light of advances in telecommunications are considered. (Author/LRW)