This phenomenological study explores the challenges 21 formerly incarcerated students identified as barriers to maintaining positive student experiences while enrolled in a college-in-prison program. Employing a thriving framework, the study identified several key challenges, including lack of study space, friction with prison staff, limited…

This report is intended to serve as a companion to the "Career Preparation Expansion Act (CPEA) Report," produced by the Maryland Longitudinal Data System (MLDS) Center in collaboration with the Governor's Workforce Development Board. The CPEA Report focused on the workforce outcomes of high school graduates five years after graduation.…

With the increasing popularity of distance education, focus has turned to the role of libraries in distance learning process. It is widely agreed that like their campus-based counterparts, distance education learners need adequate library services if they are to gain quality education. This study sought to examine library utilization by students…

The development of new communication technologies has led to a push for greater technology use for teaching and learning. This is most true for distance learning education, which relies heavily on new technologies. Distance learning students, however, seem to have very limited time available for studying and learning because of work and/or family…

This paper presents the results of analyses of viewing and listening rates observed in 1974, 1976, and 1977 surveys of student use of Open University broadcasting in conjunction with data regarding transmission times and number of television or radio programs per course. In this analysis, nine different transmission time categories are identified,…

The University of Evansville study and other studies of external degree students indicate that these programs are useful in providing adults access to degrees. The combination of flexible requirements, student involvement, and individualization make the external degree the program of choice for many adults. (JOW)

A five-year study of the bachelor of science in nursing program at Regents College documents the plausibility and efficacy of a program in which learning is self-directed and acquired primarily through resources external to the institution and which is validated and certified by objective assessment instruments and procedures. (JOW)

Reflection by 15 nurses in the Regents College Nursing Program, an external degree program based on four criterion-referenced tests, uncovered motivations for selecting the program, clarified such needs as support networks and learning resources, and revealed a pervasive pattern of stress that affected exam preparation and performance. (SK)

A study of faculty attitudes toward external degrees at the University of Michigan reports a generally positive response. Relevant literature is reviewed, receptivity scores are reported, and a predictive model accounting for 74 percent of the variance in receptivity is described.(Author/MLW)

According to responses from 61 of 78 enrollees in off-campus videotaped agriculture courses, most watched tapes without interruption and almost half viewed the tapes more than once. More positive attitudes emerged when instructors were perceived as facilitators rather than information providers and when it appeared that instructors used effective…

A study is reported of the use of simulations as a method of assessing pharmacy doctoral candidates' efficiency of information retrieval, recognition of therapeutic incompatibilities, recommendation of alternatives, communication skills, familiarity with drug information resources, and apparent knowledge base. (MSE)

A 1987 evaluation of the Brisbane College of Advanced Education's external studies operations was conducted using a survey instrument sent to a sample of 397 external students, not including dropouts or those who have temporarily withdrawn. The survey was designed to collect information about the college's external students, their pattern of use…

This 1985 survey of staff attitudes toward external studies at Brisbane College of Advanced Education is a follow-up to a 1984 survey, the results of which were reported to college staff in September 1984. Goals of the 1985 survey were to facilitate the detection of new areas of concern and to assess the degree to which success had been achieved…

The University of Southern California (USC) Library School offered an experimental self-paced, independent learning program during the 1976-1977 academic year to help those students who desire this type of professional training but are unable to attend classes on a daily or semi-weekly basis in the traditional pattern of scheduling. Program…

The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a credit by examination program offered by the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) as an alternative to formal college education for independent learners. In 1970 the CEEB began to work with public libraries in providing help to the independent learner who wished to participate in the CLEP…