A selected list of current and classic titles on correspondence and postsecondary education of interest to home study school educators is offered without annotation. The list is organized by six headings: Bibliographies, Correspondence Education, Nontraditional Education, Adult and Vocational Education, Government Reports, and General Studies.…

An annotated bibliography indicating basic references and illustrating the kinds of literature which is available in some fields of external study is presented. This bibliography is intended to assist institutions as they study and develop plans for non-traditional education. Approximately 150 entries are included. Eight categories of information…

Academic transcripts are becoming increasingly important in home study environments because they are gaining wider use as "sales tools" by home study program graduates seeking acceptance of their home study work by employers and registrars. Well-designed transcripts have become an excellent alumni service and subtle marketing device that all…

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)

Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) members must realize that sound admissions policies are the first step toward high quality education. DETC members should be willing to examine the need for qualification-based admissions policies like those used by "traditional" schools. Admission is critical to outcomes assessment because…

Graduate surveys are a good way for home study schools to determine whether graduates are getting jobs in their field of training and whether courses are meeting student expectations. Although telephone surveys are more costly and time-consuming than mail surveys, they are usually more accurate. Survey response rates can be boosted to 50-60% by…

This booklet outlines specific strategies to help teachers prepare an effective self-study course for students enrolled in nontraditional study. The guide is organized in four chapters that cover the following topics: (1) consideration of students and their motivation; (2) preparation of an effective course (conceptualization--goals, expectations,…

In a series of three workshops in 1981, a group of experienced home study educators, education technologists, and informed people from state and federal government, private industry, and trade associations tackled the questions, "What lies ahead in home study, for 'distant education,' in the next 20 years? How should educators plan for the…

Although home study institutions rarely change hands, periodic internal valuations of the financial worth of home study schools can be instructive for school owners. The first step is to determine the school's position in the context of the education field. This can be accomplished by asking 10 questions that a potential buyer of the school might…

This handbook is designed to help administrators, educators, politicans, and others engaged in distance education who seek to introduce, extend, or improve correspondence education for adults. In the first of six chapters, the background and history of correspondence study, particularly in Britain and the United States, are reviewed. Chapter 2…

Originally conceived as a "substitute" form of education, instruction by correspondence or distance education was formally recognized in the United States in 1883 and has since developed into an alternative form of instruction preferred by millions of people. In the past 100 years, home study enrollments in the United States have grown from…

Home study as an effective method of adult education is discussed. Results of several major university research studies are cited and examples of the use of home study by labor unions, professional and trade groups, the federal government, and the armed services are presented. Support for the method by legislative and regulatory bodies (such as…

New forms of postsecondary education such as television colleges, contract learning programs, universities without walls, external degree programs, and education brokers have emerged to complement traditional adult and vocational education programs. New patterns and programs contribute to the open learning movement in higher education and offer…

Planning for postsecondary education and the choice of the right college program are discussed to assist disabled high school students and disabled persons who are thinking about returning to school. Considerations before making a college choice are identified, including whether the student: has a high school diploma or equivalent, meets college…

Home study has enjoyed a slow but steady growth in popularity and acceptance. The growth of independent home study may be attributed to both the realities of the present educational environment and the consistently positive results of the home study method. At least one researcher has suggested that the initially slow growth of home study may have…