Discusses history and development of the academic computer network BITNET, including BITNET Network Support Center's growth and services, and international expansion. Network users, reasons for growth, and future developments are reviewed. A BITNET applications sampler and listings of compatible computers and operating systems, sites, and…

Describes philosophy behind development of British Open University's course "Education for Adults," which emphasizes adult learner independence and autonomy and implements an andragogical approach within a distance teaching system. Significance of evaluation data from the course and the challenge presented to designers of courses are…

Tables showing college and university enrollments from 1970, 1975, and 1980, and projected enrollments for 1985-93, are presented. Enrollments are shown for public and private institutions, four-year and two-year institutions, undergraduate and graduate, male and female, and full-time and part-time students. (MLW)

The innovative Vincennes campus of the University of Paris is a reflection of the French government's interest in making more flexible the patterns of university life, including increased student and faculty participation in evaluation and governance, provision for adult education, and unrestricted access for foreign students. (MSE)

Australian and American universities contrast instructively in the degree to which faculties participate in their governance. Although faculties have long attempted to gain authority in American universities and participate substantially today in Australian universities, the former are, and the latter are becoming, dominated by external…

A model of institutional attrition was tested by comparing undergraduate dropouts and continuing students at Washington State University based on the constructs of individual attributes, past educational experience, goal commitment, institutional commitment, social integration, and academic integration. (MSE)

One hundred fifteen teachers (58 percent) at universities, community colleges, and public schools reported their teaching practices and beliefs in teaching adults and preadults. Though they reported differences, observation yielded little evidence of a more student-centered approach with adults. Interaction analysis provided an objective…

The University of California, Irvine offers a summer institute for elementary/secondary science teachers. A one-day research update, year-round Saturdays for Science (for fourth-sixth grades), and assistance in science curriculum development are also featured. Success is attributed to involvement of faculty, local technology-based industry, and…

China was one of the first countries to use radio and television for higher education purposes. Today there are approximately 29 radio and television universities throughout the country. Examined are the teaching methods, staff and students, achievements and limitations, and plans for expansion. (RM)

Two explanations of congruency of ideal (intent) and actual (action/behavior) work of faculty are examined--reward expectations and referent others. Based on interviews, a survey, and institutional data, it was found that referent others' goals have a greater influence than reward expectations on the congruency of work. (Author/MLW)

Results of a survey of new and experienced part-time faculty at Britain's Open University concerning their attitudes toward learning teaching skills on the job give insights into the teachers' self-confidence and attitudes about their work. (MSE)

The role of the university in medical education, specifically, the education of the medical practitioner is discussed. The challenge is to connect better the practicing physician to the evolving knowledge base and the scientific agenda to the world of practice. (MLW)

The trend toward extending nontenured faculty members' probationary periods beyond the traditional 6 years, is discussed, along with problems faced by faculty at the time of nonrenewal, implications for academic careers, and the issue of multiple standards for faculty evaluation within an institution. (MSE)

The question examined is whether there are real differences between Australian universities, traditionally academically oriented, and colleges of advanced education (CAEs), intended to be vocationally oriented. Now that some CAEs duplicate some university functions, overlap in academic ethos, function, and impact on students is suspected. (MSE)

Application of economic theories of educational supply and demand to Ontario postsecondary enrollments show that community college enrollments are more income-sensitive than university enrollments, and graduate enrollments are more price sensitive than undergraduate enrollments. No competition effects between community colleges and universities…