Arguing that extensive efforts to produce open learning materials should not be undertaken until the possibility of using or adapting existing materials is considered, this paper identifies current sources of materials available in Great Britain for non-advanced further education. The first sections of the paper review common types of open…

FlexiStudy is a new type of correspondence course developed by the National Extension College, which has become a center for the production and distribution of distance learning materials, while local colleges take the responsibility for teaching, counseling, and administration. (EAO)

Cites case studies involving professional people attempting to gain doctoral degrees through correspondence universities. Examines the history of these institutions and problems of accreditation. (CT)

Introduces the definition and conventions of distance education, otherwise called correspondence coursework, as it has developed over the last several decades. Characterizes the movement of distance education from peripheral to central prominence in many educational systems, particularly as relates to the challenges and opportunities in the…

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.…

The accounting of the origin, development, and use of private home study schools in Illinois analyzes their enrollment, courses, regulations, economics, subject matter areas, and strengths and weaknesses. The potential they offer for future coordination with public schools is stressed and recommendations are directed to the governer, the State…

Distance education--that is, offering courses by Internet, video, or other forms outside the classroom--has changed considerably in recent years and is a growing force in postsecondary education. More than a decade ago, concerns about fraud and abuse by some correspondence schools led to federal restrictions on, among other things, the percentage…

This report examines the extent to which correspondence schools participate in the Stafford Student Load Program and the rates at which students from these schools default on their student loans. It is revealed that the average borrower default rate for students attending correspondence schools was more than double the rate, 42.2 percent versus…

A review of the home study or correspondence school method of education indicates that this method may offer training superior to campus education for vocationally-oriented students, particularly in technology. Programs are tailored to individual needs and credit toward academic degrees may be granted. Home study remains primarily in private…

Correspondence courses are a growing alternative to conventional on-campus courses. The main reasons that so many people choose this type of education are that it is more convenient, usually faster, and normally less expensive. There are two kinds of schools that offer correspondence courses: proprietary and postsecondary. Proprietary schools…

The historical traditions, organizational structures, funding, and public and academic esteem of the correspondence school and the campus-based regional college are all very different. Nevertheless, the relationship of the two institutions in Norway illustrates that they can form an association that is advantageous to both. Norway's largest…

A serious problem in home study in recent years has been that, too often, some schools have been paying little attention to student services. They have concentrated their budgets on advertising to recruit new students, while doing little to encourage present students or new recruits to stay in the program. Efforts have been made to reduce the…

The analysis of correspondence training by service personnel and veterans was based upon and prepared from the file of veterans and service personnel who trained in correspondence schools under chapter 34 (GI bill) during June 1966 through December 1974. The overall results showed that (1) during this period, a total of 5.3 million persons had…

A study examined the course structure and educational practices used by National Home Study Council (NHSC) member institutions. To gather data for the study, researchers mailed questionnaires to 60 members of the NHSC. Based on data from the 51 usable responses, the researchers determined that the average age of students enrolled in programs…

Correspondence Education was introduced in Yugoslavia in the first half of the 20th century. Its development and educational practices today, including instructional materials, teaching methods, use of multi-media education, teacher training, publications, and research in the field, are discussed. (RM)