Higher education (HE) is regarded as a pathway to upward social mobility for those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Social mobility is itself seen as important both for individual and national prosperity and is a key driver of government funding for HE. While access to HE has substantially increased over the past number of years, the…

In this article, we argue that, if open learning seeks to (re)assert a social justice mission, issues of openness and flexibility are more critical than ever. Drawing on qualitative data from a National Union of Students Wales/Open University study, which explored, in the voices of Welsh students, the identity, motivation and barriers faced by…

Reports on the views of a small group of part-time United Kingdom Open University students taking their first course. Discusses course demands, support received, demands on their time, learning how to study, student assessment, good marks increasing their motivation, and students' awareness of their increasing confidence and self-worth.…

Describes a study of eight universities in England that investigated the size and characteristics of their part-time degree programs. Highlights include government policy; cost; competition between universities; admissions policies; completion rate and drop-out rate; instructional design, including modularity; continuing education; and program…

Outlines and evaluates the use of landlines for multisite video conferencing at the University of Ulster. Developments in video conferencing are described, increased opportunities for continuing and higher education for part-time students in Northern Ireland are discussed, initial reactions of students and teachers are reported, and future plans…