The adoption of Open Educational Resources (OER) can, on the one hand, increase access and quality in higher education, but on the other hand it is raising concerns among universities and researchers about its economic sustainability. This is mainly because, unlike traditional online learning, in OER-based approaches learners do not have to pay to…

Describes a study that was conducted to identify the roles and competencies of distance education professionals within the United States and Canada based on a survey of approximately 100 distance educators. A competency model based on the results is presented and recommendations for future research are included. (Contains 68 references.) (LRW)

Each year, the number of institutions offering distance learning courses continues to grow significantly (Green, 2002; National Center for Educational Statistics, 2003; Wagner, 2000). Broskoske and Harvey (2000) explained that "many institutions begin a distance education initiative encouraged by the potential benefits, influenced by their…

Discusses the use of video programs and telecourses in distance education and describes the development of a media selection model and evaluation instrument using the Delphi technique. The instrument, which contains specific criteria based on media selection methods, addresses such areas as educational objectives, instructional design, printed…

Describes telecommunications technology available to school library media specialists for use with distance education programs. A needs assessment process developed by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is explained, and a sidebar describes distance education programs currently available nationally over satellite and cable TV. (LRW)