The University Without Walls experiment on the University of Massachusetts, Amherst campus, began in 1971. The central animating concepts of the original experiment include the value of knowledge that is learned both within and without 'the walls' of the university. These various knowledge sources are integrated into the student's individualized…

A transformation in teaching and learning happens when students move from being consumers to creators of knowledge. While there is a growing body of research available on the use of open education resources by faculty and students, there is comparatively little research available with regards to open pedagogy (OP) in higher education. The few…

This document, reporting on a visit to the University Without Walls (UWW) of the Union for Experimenting Colleges and Universities, opens with a definition of the Union. When the Union applied for Correspondent Status in the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, it was agreed that the decision should be based on the…

This report discusses briefly the concept of open education and its application at the college and university level. Efforts already underway in the United States and abroad are covered in two appendices. Four models of open universities are described in some detail. One model is based on the extension of community college activities. The second…

This study offers a preliminary description of the faculty members at the University of Minnesota who have worked with University Without Walls (UWW) students outside of the conventional classroom setting. The American Council on Education Faculty questionnaire was sent to 141 university faculty members; 53 percent responded. Findings indicated:…

A report from Britain's Open University that teaches students in their spare time through a mixture of television and radio, correspondence courses, summer schools and evening classes. (Editor/PG)

Recounts the history and development of the University Without Walls (UWW) program now underway at more than 20 colleges and universities nationwide. Describes the highly individualized and flexible program of learning, key ideas and concepts, degree and accreditation considerations, and financial implications. (Author/JH)

Reviews the background, development, and structure of the Open Tech Programme--a new British experiment in open learning--and compares it with the Open University with respect to their aims and methodologies. Funding and quality control are also discussed, and some advice is offered for other countries contemplating similar developments. (EAO)

This report concerns the extablishment and development of the British Open University. Contents include the descriptions of: the development of the institution; staffing the open university; development of the Milton Keynes Campus; undergraduate course development; regional organization; demand for open university courses; development, production,…

Results of a questionnaire survey of 67 persons from the nonacademic community who served as Community Faculty are presented. Included are demographic characteristics of the faculty, descriptions of student-faculty relationships, feelings about students, attitudes toward credits for life experience and remuneration, role definitions, and attitudes…

The president of the University of Mid-America describes the past growth and future direction of this seven-state consortium which produces and distributes multimedia courses and provides alternative learning opportunities to underserved adult learners. (SK)

An overview of the history of nontraditional programs within the American higher education system discusses the energy and spirit provided by such programs and relates them to the basic principles of American culture (importance of individuality, respect for diversity, and belief in equality). During the development of American culture, the five…

The history and philosophy of the free university, defined as an organization that offers noncredit classes to the general public in which "anyone can teach and anyone can learn," is explored. Offered is practical advice for starting a free university center or exchange and ensuring its success. Three contemporary versions of free…

The Open University (OU), an advanced multimedia instructional system, was established by the British government to provide university and professional education to those with the ability to continue their education by study in their own time, and particularly to those who could not otherwise obtain education at a university. This overview…

The plan for the University of Mid-America to establish the autonomous, fully accredited American Open University (AOU) is presented. AOU, a university for working adults who wish to study part-time, will utilize modern communications technologies and methods of distance education. The American Open University will be a nationwide system that will…