All distance instructors are regularly evaluated by students of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. The article reviews 388 evaluation forms to determine what qualities and teaching behaviors are most appreciated by adult women students in the program. High ratings were given to (1) providing feedback, (2) promptness, and (3) helpfulness. (CH)

The purpose of this study is to investigate the problems associated with learner motivation in Web-based instruction, in particular in self-directed online learning environments. This study is interested in identifying and exploring what motivate or demotivate learners from completing a self-directed online course, which have implications for…

This booklet is designed to help distance learning participants learn to work independently, be self-disciplined, take responsibility for their own work, study, and manage their time. It describes the support built into the distance learning program, such as the instructor, advisor, e-mail partner, supervisor, and program coordinator. Advantages…

As new communications media have developed, discussion of the definition of "distance education" (DE) has increased. The following defining features of DE have been proposed: geographically remote, two-way communication; use of one or more technical media; mass delivery; control of educational institution; and predominance of independent…

Each year an estimated 5 million Americans pursue education or training through what is known as distance education. Distance education, which is also known as distance study, e-learning online education, correspondence study, home study, independent study, and other various terms, has existed in America for more than a century. Yet, few teachers,…

In a mental health course, 22 occupational therapy students were randomly assigned to two-way interactive video/audio, chatrooms, or independent study for case study work. No significant differences were found in scores on three multiple-choice tests; 77% preferred interactive video/audio. Comfort with distance learning significantly increased.…

Noting that the body of literature is limited, the author reviews research on correspondence study enrollments, instructors, and theories; independent learning; characteristics of quality in instruction; student-teacher interaction and feedback; and the learner's perspective of distance education. (SK)

Discusses learner autonomy in traditional adult education and in adult distance education. Learning strategies are described, the teacher's role in each educational setting is examined, and examples of autonomy learning at a distance are given, one at the University of Surrey and one at the Open University in Great Britain. (32 references) (LRW)

Reports findings from a longitudinal study tracking the expectations, shifts in expectations, and emergent beliefs of novice self-instructed language learners. Investigates how learners experienced and articulated their experience in a distance-learning context. Focused on learner-context interface, tolerance for ambiguity, and locus of control.…

Discusses instructional design and explains the multi-channel learning environment which was developed to allow the use of various media to provide alternative learning paths to accommodate differences in learning styles and media preferences. Highlights include taxonomies of learning; social aspects of learning; self-learning in distance…

This book explores the lives of a group of adult students, their rationale for pursuing an independent study degree at a distance, and their perceptions of computer conferencing. It is based on data from unstructured interviews and participant observation that were then analyzed from a symbolic interaction perspective. Chapter 1 describes the…

Distance education programs often try to prove their legitimacy by using methods and materials as similar as possible to those used in traditional, classroom-based, lecture-oriented courses. Since off-campus students must exhibit a certain level of independence and self-guidance to succeed, it might be more reasonable to tailor educational…

Describes the simultaneous development of paper-based and digitized versions of a textbook and related instructional material used in an undergraduate, independent study, distance education course at Athabasca University (Canada). Used break-even analysis as an initial evaluation measure to determine cost-effectiveness, and discusses the next…

Discussion of computer-aided publishing hardware and software emphasizes their impact on the production of printed learning materials, especially for distance education and self-instructional texts. Highlights include desktop publishing; electronic publishing; typographic design considerations; distinguishing textual features; implications for…

Describes the development of three two-hour video programs designed to provide self-paced instruction in advanced teaching methods to home economics educators. Advantages of the video instruction method--time saving, accessibility, and effectiveness for people whose learning style is not print oriented are discussed. (SK)