This paper discusses research and development work currently being conducted with universities in Bhutan and Nepal to design appropriate systems for distance and distributed learning courses among a network of campus sites. Although working from a high level of awareness of pedagogic skills, staff in the region face two significant impediments in…

Analyzes the use of computer conferencing for management education and describes the introduction of computer conferencing in a distance education MBA (Master's of Business Administration) program at the Open University in the United Kingdom. The use of computer conferencing at the Western Behavioral Sciences Institute (California) (WBSI) is also…

Describes the history and development of the United Kingdom's Open University from a print-based distance teaching institution to an electronic university. Discusses computer conferencing, including problems and successes with implementation; barriers to use; research and development; designing and teaching online courses; and the Open University…

This report on the use of the computer conferencing system CoSy begins with a summary of its application at the Open University in 1988, and describes the changes made for its use in 1989. An evaluation based on both quantitative statistics of usage and qualitative data from interviews and conference comments is made and compared with results from…

Describes the Bangkok Project, a successful application of electronic mail and computer conferencing networks to support professional development in the field of distance education. The development of the computer conference to supplement a face-to-face conference in Bangkok is explained, and conference format and nature of interactions are…

Analyzes the experiences and experiments of the Open University (OU), United Kingdom, in the use of computer conferencing over 10 years. Provides a framework for considering educational uses of the medium and describes several innovative applications. Highlights the main issues involved in implementing this technology. (Author)

Discusses results of an evaluation of a Web-based course at the United Kingdom's Open University relating to student satisfaction. Considers skills versus academic content, previous computing experience, interaction through computer conferencing, online group work, online tutoring, lack of time, and course revision; and compares results with three…

The objective of this study has been to prepare a report which identifies the major issues concerning the use of computer networks, and particularly computer conferencing, in education and training. The report is divided into four sections: (1) a discussion of the major themes and issues as they apply in education, training, and community…

This paper gives an account of the use of the CoSy conferencing system in an introductory information technology course at the British Open University in 1988. A discussion of the integration of the CoSy system into the existing curriculum is followed by descriptions of the conferencing environment and the interface to CoSy. Profiles of students…

The Open University pioneered the first use of computer conferencing in mass distance education in 1988, when it was used to provide tutorial support to more than 1,300 students in the United Kingdom via electronic mail and conference messages. A study of the use of the system in the first year revealed that: (1) only one-third of the students…

This description of computer conferencing in its educational context as a tool for encouraging greater autonomy in the learner highlights programs in Britain's Open University and at Bath University. Topics discussed include teaching and learning trends in higher education and the role of conferencing in education in the future. (Author/LRW)

This paper discusses the concept of diversity of course components in the context of an online staff development course at the United Kingdom Open University. In addition to FirstClass computer conferencing and Web content, RealAudio was used in both synchronous and asynchronous modes. The purpose of its use was to add diversity and focus, which…