Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) is one of Thailand's two official open universities. STOU has no on-campus classes. Instead, it offers self-instructional packages in a distance education format and conducts optional tutorials in local study centers throughout Thailand. STOU's curriculum, which is designed to provide educational…

The value of computer teleconferencing, which enables two or more individuals at two or more locations to communicate, is described. In short, computer teleconferencing brings the expert to the student at a time when the student has time to study, and a person can reenter the system at any time that work and home schedules permit. Once a basic…

Acknowledging a recent increased interest in research about self-directed learning, this report analyzes and discusses two different forms of education: self-directed learning and distance education. Here, self-directed learning is identical with autodidactic learning, a form of education that cannot be included in organized adult education; the…

The University of Minnesota offered an experimental course to teach people to develop performance-based instruction courses and programs for education and industry. Computer-based teacher education was provided through distance delivery independent study with tutoring. The course was designed using the performance-based instructional design…

Microcomputers are advocated as a primary teaching tool for independent and correspondence study, provided suitable software is available and consideration is given to initial student attitudes, peculiarities in computer communication, and the low predictive power of psychological tests in computer-based learning. (Author/MSE)

This book, intended for students planning, exploring, or currently completing graduate school via long distance, is written by two people who themselves completed a doctoral program via long distance. The book is based on personal experiences, an informal survey of people in this country and abroad, and responses from a listserv concerning…

This guide is a learning tool to help indigenous people use the Internet to become self-directed learners, join with other self-directed learners to build learning communities, and train others to become self-directed learners. After presenting basic information on how to get online, the guide is organized around four successive levels of…

Self-regulation has long been seen as a desirable but difficult to achieve instructional aim. This is particularly true of online learning, where users have limited instructional support and where attrition rates tend to be greater than in face-to-face teaching. This paper examines the nature of self-regulation, identifying affective and cognitive…

Description of the Tele-Universite, a distance teaching institution which is part of the Universite du Quebec network, includes course development, media uses, curriculum, administrative structure, and a student profile. Eleven references are provided. (MBR)

Examines vital design issues pertaining to the "Online Self-Test," a simple solution for dealing with concerns about lack of time and lack of motivation in distance education. Presents experiences gained during the implementation of the Online Self-Test Center for Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University, Nashik, India, and…

Based on the experience of Everyman's University (Israel), it is proposed that the experience of distance teaching institutions will contribute to: improving university textbook quality; enhancing independent study skills; improving college instruction; promoting interdisciplinary courses; promoting interinstitutional collaboration; advancing the…

Distance education, in the form of correspondence study from primary- to college-level education, began in Malawi in 1965. This article briefly reviews the program and its assessment. Assessment results indicate that distance education is a useful alternative to the internal school system and provides more opportunities for learning. (TJH)

Describes preservice teacher training in South Africa, highlighting distance teaching (including a guided self-study workbook) that leads to a one-year postgraduate higher education diploma designed to meet the teacher shortage. The paper discusses the extent to which students can be guided to bridge the gap between theory and practice in field…

Describes "SuperText," computer software designed to support expository writing among students in distance learning programs, and its theoretical justification. Notes the various models of writing supported by "SuperText" and outlines the functions of the program. Evaluates "SuperText" on the basis of student…

This study aimed to determine the factors that affect students' preferences regarding tutorial modes. A learning-habit inclinations questionnaire (LHIQ) was constructed and administered to 288 students. Factor analysis revealed four factors: "time management," "ease of access" to learning materials, "positive aspects of interaction," and "negative…