Observing that distance teaching so far conducted at Britain's Open University is based on an authoritarian model with teacher-developed multimedia programed courses, the author proposes a new approach to such correspondence-type courses in which a framework is provided for students to organize their own learning using their own methods. (JT)

Seminars on curriculum development transmitted by satellite are operated by the University of the South Pacific, Suva. The satellite was launched in 1966 by NASA, which has permitted educational broadcasting. Ground stations have been set up in eight countries that support the university. Practical aspects of transmission are outlined. (SW)

It is shown that Open University students are psychologically able to sustain an independent (i.e., student-centered) program of learning and that the Open University degree structure is sufficiently flexible to incorporate truly independent study into its structure in the form of a project credit. (Author/LBH)

Describes the two and one-half year process of developing a genetics course for Britain's Open University. The final package of print, television, radio, home experiments, summer schools and a number of assignments and examinations is a product of the course team of Open University staff, British Broadcasting Corporation production staff, and…

Describes the membership, responsibilities, problems, and group dynamics involved in the team approach to the design and development of courses for Britain's Open University. The team selects content and creates teaching materials using various media (correspondence texts, television and radio programs, summer school, home experiment kits,…

Developmental testing at the Open University is a type of formative evaluation in which a small sample of students work through learning materials to determine their effectiveness. On the basis of student feedback, the material may be accepted as it stands, modified in part, or totally revised before it is produced in its final form for the…

The success of distance teaching depends largely on students' comprehension and appreciation of print communication. A communication gap exists, and many students are unable to recognize levels of complexity presented to them. Changes in course structure can help alleviate this learning problem. (MSE)

Open University courses are defined as processes of interaction between students, the materials, and the tutors. Using this definition, the stages of course development, major purposes of feedback, and major audiences for feedback are discussed with particular emphasis on the role of the tutor and student in course development. (JMF)

The situation of the part-time tutor at the Open University is examined by a staff member. Consideration is given to the sense of isolation, the part-timer's general role in the university and limitations enforced by that role, and the contribution part-timers could make to course maintenance and planning. (LBH)

A form used in Britain's Open University for teachers to criticize team-developed courses has been improved to allow for more constructive comments, more two-way communication, and continual course improvement. (MSE)

The growth of the Open University has led to attempts to increase the efficiency of the whole operation, such as prepackaging of teaching materials and advanced scheduling and planning of new courses. Effects of such policies on tutor-student links and the immediacy of materials are discussed. (AF)

A procedure for course evaluation at Britain's Open University is described. Justification for obtaining feedback from students, audiences for the data, and intended uses in the maintenance of courses are outlined. (JMF)