Focuses on Open and Distance Learning (ODL) as an educational technology-based environment that creates new communities, or ODL cultures. Examines whether there is a problem with ODL in Europe, while analyzing the cultural and institutional conditions in structural terms. Considers the influence of culture on ODL and vice versa, using the…

Provides a background to the establishment of virtual universities in Korea and presents a framework for course development. Highlights include the use of distance, or open education; reasons for rapid changes in higher education; course objectives; team building; and future possibilities. (Contains 33 references.) (LRW)

Development of information and communication technologies has greatly expanded the number of institutions offering programs on a regional or global basis. Looks at problems that distance education institutions have faced, and continue to face, in terms of delivery of materials, student access to technology, structures, and maintenance of…

Presents a report by Rigmor Sterner (Lulea University of Technology) on the 10th annual European Distance Education Network (EDEN) conference (June 10-13, 2001, Stockholm, Sweden). EDEN is a non-governmental educational association whose aim is to foster the development of open and distance learning and distance education. (AEF)

The Open University's experiences provide the following recommendations for student retention: specialized advisory and guidance staff, accurate and relevant information, establishment of relationships with students, design of courses well suited to students' needs, ownership by the university community of student support services, a sense of…

Managing quality processes become critically important for higher education institutions generally, but especially for institutions involved in open and distance learning. In Australia, managers of centers responsible for open and distance learning have identified two frameworks that potentially offer ways of conceiving of the application of…

Contemporary transitions in political and economic globalization are being used to press universities into becoming "transnational businesses," seemingly driven by a primary concern for marketing educational commodities. The neo-liberal politics driving these currents in universities are increasing the multiple online and offline…

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…

Reports the results of a comparative study of the 26 open universities in Asia (of 12 Asian countries/regions) conducted by the Center for Research in Distance and Adult Learning, Open University of Hong Kong. Topics explored were: gender/age distribution of the students; leadership styles; teaching and delivery model; methods and forms of student…

The Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK) study showed student support services were an important component of distance education. One of the factors differentiating between high/low-achievers was that the former were more active in seeking help. This project explored what factors promote or inhibit use of peer support, and how it might be utilized…

The author examines the background and purposes of open learning in Great Britain. Political motives are emphasized. The distinction between distance education and open education is made. The author calls for more focus on individualizing instruction in distance education. (CH)

This discussion of definitions of distance education responds to previous articles attempting to define the field. Topics discussed include distance education versus conventional education; group-based distance education; differences between open learning and distance education; and criteria to define distance education. (13 references) (LRW)

Suggests that bureaucratic practice can best be understood from within the Fordist framework, and that the distinction between machine and bureaucracy is no longer as significant as the distinction between bureaucracy and postbureaucracy. Notes the significance of these issues in distance education and open learning policies and practices.…

Reports on programs in Western Australia where interactive educational television is being used in broadcast modes for distance education and open learning courses. Discusses the impact of the interactivity on the quality of the broadcast programs from an instructional perspective. (Author/AEF)

Discusses the application of learning and instructional strategies in open and distance learning settings. Highlights include teaching and learning theories; materials development; distance learners; learning and instructional strategies; and a conceptual framework for applying learning and instructional strategies in open and distance learning…