A consortial effort of nine state universities in six Midwestern states, the University of Mid-America develops mediated credit and non-credit courses for use off-campus in teaching-at-a-distance programs. (Author)

Studies may not help to determine cost-effectiveness of distance or mediated education for several reasons: difficulty gathering data; many costs are not intrinsic to technology, but a result of decisions made; and difficulty in comparing costs of different mediated programs. Cost-effectiveness of technology can be determined by designing and…

Briefly outlines the early history of distance education programs in the 1960s, emphasizing the success of the Open University in the United Kingdom. Discusses 10 individual models of virtual universities that are international in scope. (JKP)

The purpose of this study was to describe experiences of graduates of an off-campus agriculture degree program. Additionally, selected teaching variables and attitudes related to agricultural courses delivered by videotape are described. Objectives were as follows: (1) describe selected variables related by graduates of an off-campus professional…

The four papers in this collection focus on distance education and open education. In the first paper, "The Open Learning Institute," D. W. Roberts cites the original recommendation that Charles Sturt University establish a new division to be known as the Open Learning Institute, and presents a definition of the concept. In the second…

Problems associated with determining attrition rates and causes of attrition in the Regents External Degree Program of the University of the State of New York were studied. Students were defined as having dropped out of the program if they had not paid their annual records fee (registration fee). Data are provided to compare attrition figures to…

The strategies of student evaluation and the patterns of results are compared for The Universidad Nacional de Educacion a Distancia (UNED) in Spain and The Open University of The United Kingdom. Both universities operate a system of undergraduate subject credits leading to a degree, but the length of the courses of the two systems differ. UNED…

With the growth of the university without walls, or the open university, a new and expanded role can be in the making for the student personnel professional. This professional's expanded functions should center around outreach services that are necessary for the special groups the open university can serve. (Author)

An overview of the ways nontraditional education uses alternative content, instructional procedures, locations, technical aids, and assessment to meet the needs of both old and new students. (Editor)

The Nova University doctoral program emphasizes a national context, practicums, clusters, and education leadership appraisal in its preparation of school administrators. (Author/DW)

This paper outlines the method and theoretical basis for establishing and implementing an independent study music curriculum. The curriculum combines practical and theoretical paradigms and leads to an external degree. The computer, in direct interaction with the student, is the primary instructional tool, and the teacher is involved in indirect…

This course, one of 16 sequential courses comprising phase one of a part-time Bachelor of Arts degree program in Australian Studies, examines a number of theoretical approaches to the study of language, particularly those which place language in a social context. It is designed for independent study combined with tutorial sessions. Chapter 1 is an…

One response to the new climate in higher education has been a proliferation of what has come to be termed "nontraditional" studies. These studies include time-shortened degree programs, credits and/or degrees by examination, extended campus programs, special programs for adults, and secondary school-higher education coordination. Presents the…

Describes the pattern of student demand, progress and withdrawal over the first four years of the Open University in Great Britain. Appendix contains the problems inherent in comparing the Open University with other institutions. (Editor/PG)

Analyzes the social and economic factors which in a two- or three-year period moved the education of older students, awarding credit by examination, off-campus study, and nonresidential degree programs from a nether world of low status and funding. Notes positive benefits but warns against uncritical acceptance of this latest vogue. (JT)