Millions of Americans are currently enrolled in distance learning institutions. The flexible study schedules, independent learning, and self-paced courses are attracting more students than ever. Those interested in enrolling in a distance education school, probably have a lot of questions. Choosing the right school is an important decision, and…

Explores the assumptions of the teaching-learning process in distance education. Cognitive constructivist learning theory is used to clarify current and emerging assumptions regarding teaching and learning at a distance. Observations are made regarding the role of the teacher and teacher/student interaction and whether print based,…

This study investigated the differences between demographic, enrollment, academic, and self-directed learning characteristics of completers and noncompleters in online courses at one community college. The study also obtained students' self-reported reasons for not completing their coursework. No significant differences were found in the…

This paper on quality and distance education argues that if the goal of education is to produce an independent learner, distance education is ideally suited to encourage effective independent learning when the instruction and programming is of a high quality. The paper first notes the Australian government's interest in promoting distance…

The Center for Distance Learning of Empire State College (New York) is piloting online study by offering a course in contemporary American diplomacy entirely through the use of computer conferencing and electronic mail. The computer is used to create a learning environment where course participants can interact with each other and with the…

Discusses the development of a correspondence course in oral history at Brigham Young University (Utah). Examines the difficulties encountered when teaching such a course outside the classroom environment. Provides a list of course objectives and assesses its preliminary success. (GEA)

Reports on the use of interactive television as a medium of education for nursing students. Compares this method to traditional teacher lecture method. Found that although students may prefer the human interaction, the learning results may be equivalent when the alternative medium is used. (Author)

Discussion of the need for training in new information technologies focuses on the development of a distance education model for training teachers in computer literacy. Explains individual and collaborative learning support and the authoring module, and presents the results of preliminary evaluations. (LRW)

The XX IDEA annual conference has been focused and reflected on different ways and means of meeting various kinds of methodological challenges, new technologies and multi-media developments, newly emerging partnerships and collaboration between emerging sectors on one hand and between the institutions functioning with similar objectives and…

This article will first provide a theoretical overview of the problems that learners experience in distance education. It will also deal with some of the implications for course design. Problems associated with study through a distance education institution include loneliness, time management, examination skills and the format of the study…

Learning materials serve as major learning resources for distance learners, and quality learning materials help students learn effectively at a distance. This paper addresses comprehensive aspects of design, development, production, and quality assurance of multi-media learning materials, based on the experience of Indonesia's Universitas Terbuka…

Presents a systems analysis for transforming an educational system operating under a conventional scheme into a tele-education system. Particular attention is paid to developing and analyzing a preferred media mix and to the use of models and simulations as part of conducting a systems analysis. (Author)

The integration of existing applications in hypermedia environments is a promising approach towards more flexible and user-friendly hypermedia learning materials. A hypermedia courseware editor, called HyDE (Hypermedia Document Editor) was developed using Microsoft Windows TM OLE technology. OLE (object Linking and Embedding) stands for an…

The relationship between self-directed learning and self-access is discussed as a system of organizing resources. The first part of the paper outlines the skills needed for self-directed learning in a self-access center. The skills include defining objectives, identifying resources, selecting resources, using resources, evaluating action, and…

Research toward the development of a theory of independent study and telemathic, or distance, learning is discussed in this paper. The concepts of independent study, educational programs, learning programs, teaching programs, and telemathic teaching are defined, and telemathic teaching programs are classified according to distance between teacher…