In this article, the authors discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic completely changed the way one project communicated with children, parents, and teachers. The authors describe how they developed Science Gateways out of the need to handle the limitations of the Science Open Doors program that was developed prior to COVID-19. Science Gateways serves…

During the COVID-19 'lockdown', members of the Association for Science Education (ASE) primary science community worked together to develop a series of remote learning resources for the 2020 summer term. This article describes how the aim of making science, with embedded science enquiry activities, accessible to parents and children in their home…

In March 2020, when COVID-19's lockdown restrictions saw schools closed to the majority of children, Carenza Lewis quickly began thinking of ways to help both teachers and parents. Drawing on extensive experience of enabling children and young people to learn from practical engagement in archaeology, she came up with a plan. Almost overnight, Dig…

Research indicates that parental involvement in children's education is positively related to academic achievement in mathematics; however, there are few studies on the role of parental involvement in the context of developing countries. The purpose of this paper is to document the iterative development using design-based research (DBR) of a…

Within a learning family, every member is a lifelong learner. A family literacy and learning approach is more likely to break the intergenerational cycle of low education and inadequate literacy skills, particularly among disadvantaged families and communities. The selection of case studies presented in this compilation show that for an…

In this article, we document the literacy practices of Genna Johar and her extended family. Genna, a grade 1 student, is a member of a Indo-Canadian joint family in which her parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, share a household. Family members including siblings and cousins play important roles in supporting Genna's literacy…

Considers the successes and failures associated with the design, production, delivery, and evaluation of a home study course entitled "World Ecology: The Scientific Context" offered through Athabasca University (Canada). Discussion covers potential and actual students, course design, course teams, copyright, course materials, enrollment,…

Examines findings and practical implications of a study on homework which helped Scottish policymakers, educators and families better understand, improve and build upon home-school relations. The study prompted the creation of study support centers in schools that were staffed by librarians, teachers, and parents. (JPB)

This review of research at Athabasca University provides a short description of the university and highlights such projects as the success and retention program, instructional quality index for distance education materials, information technology planning, and the alternative tutoring project. (SK)

The use of correspondence or home study courses for noncredit is a recent development in the field of adult education. The challenge facing the extension worker is to be able to develop and deliver the type of program that not only meets the learning (content) need of the participant but that also meets the learning situation. Unfortunately, the…

This descriptive state-of-the-art report presents a survey of recent distance learning developments in Britain, mainly by local colleges in the public education sector, and discusses the motivation and experience of adult learners. Distance learning in general is examined, and current models of provision and the audiences served by these programs…

The New Zealand Technical Correspondence Institute (NZTCI) is described. (The NZTCI is the largest teaching institution in New Zealand, with 34,000 part-time vocational students taking courses in 950 subjects. Its students constitute about one-third of all vocational students in New Zealand.) Among the components described are the students (80…

The Centre was originally funded in 1980 for three years to undertake research on major issues and problems in rural education, to publish and disseminate results, and to act as a source of advice to government and private authorities as well as communities. Funding for the Centre has been extended through 1985, and its activities continue to be…

Electronic mail is the sending of messages from one person to another using electronic technology. This paper discusses communication through a personal computer and the commercial electronic mail service. Basic information about the technology of electronic mail is provided, such as hardware and software, subscription and options of electronic…

Discusses the trends in education toward computer equipment and computer assisted learning in England. Surveys some of the attitudes of educators and students toward home-based, computer-aided learning, hardware and software. Anticipates future developments in technology for education. (CW)