This lecture discusses factors that would be involved if the British Open University's distance education program were to be extended to Western Europe through the use of satellite transmissions. The cost benefits of such a move are discussed, including the possibility of additional funding through the European Commission. Another factor…

The past 15 years have brought about the large-scale and effective introduction of open learning and distance teaching methods. During the same time period a rapid increase has occurred in the technologies available to educators and trainers. The increase in available technologies has led to the problem of choice. What media should be used for…

This discussion of the usefulness of audiovisual technology for vocational training begins with a brief overview of changes in vocational training in Europe with the introduction of open learning and distance teaching methods and the increase in technologies available to trainers. Procedures for deciding on appropriate audiovisual media are then…

This paper argues that there will be greater use of independent learning and distance education in the future combined with increased use of technology due to the demand for continuing adult education and new methods of teaching. Research into new technology in education will become a priority as the use of technology will require large-scale…

This review of the technical possibilities of audio, television, computing, and combination media addresses the main factors influencing decisions about each technology's suitability for distance teaching, including access, costs, symbolic representation, student control, teacher control, existing structures, learning skills to be developed, and…

The paper analyzes the impact of technology change on distance education, and the implications for training and distance education staff development. The paper suggests that one of the major areas for job training is in the selection of media and use of technology for instructional purposes, and in the procedures and processes of decision making.…

This paper is a response to a presentation by Joseph Pelton at the 15th World Congress on Distance Education (Caracas, Venezuela, November 1990). The response argues that, while newer technologies will impact on distance education, they will not be the panacea suggested by Pelton. The response also points out that not all "new" technologies are…

The Open University of Great Britain provides home-based instruction via broadcasts and correspondence. Since technical arguments for the superiority of open-network, cable, or cassette television systems are inconclusive, the university has been forced to develop a decision-making model to determine which system is the most cost effective. For…

This book examines old and new technologies that can be used in distance education and provides cost-benefit comparisons among them. The first chapter of the book summarizes the findings of the next 10 chapters and provides a framework for decision making for all the technologies. The following criteria for choosing educational technology are…