The goal of this article is to present and validate an instrument that reflects the Community of Inquiry Model (Garrison, Anderson, & Archer, 2000, 2001) and inquire into whether the instrument and the model it reflects explain variation in levels of student learning and satisfaction with online courses in a higher education context. Additionally…

Purpose: This paper aims to summarise the methods and main findings of a study of the environmental impacts of providing higher education (HE) courses by campus-based and distance/open-learning methods. Design/methodology/approach: The approach takes the form of an environmental audit, with data from surveys of 20 UK courses--13 campus-based,…

Analysis of data from six years of the British Household Panel Survey (1998-2003) has been used to look at variances in take-up of part time learning opportunities by adults over time in the UK and, separately, by its four constituent nations. The paper provides a useful backdrop of "facts and figures" on patterns of take-up in part time…

Blended learning is a pedagogy that is sometimes heralded as the answer to some of the problems which part time students face. Creating a module for part-time students with some e-learning elements is time consuming and resource intensive. Therefore it must be demonstrated that the investment in such innovations will benefit the students and…

This study aims to evaluate the perception of a cohort of social workers studying for a part-time master's program in social work in using the popular Web-based learning platform--World Wide Web Course Tools (WebCT) as a complimentary method of teaching and learning. It was noted that social work profession began incorporating computer technology…

South African universities have responded in a variety of ways to national policy directives to broaden access to mature adult learners. In this paper we examine the progress made by one institution--the University of the Witwatersrand--to open its doors to adult learners through the Centre for Part-Time Study, known as "Wits Plus." We…

The crucial issue in the rapid development of part-time degree level work will be the relationship between these new degrees and the existing qualifications. (EB)

The University of Oklahoma Advanced Program in Governmental Studies, providing "mid-career education for military personnel and government employees, includes the unique features of an intensive study session, directed reading, and research papers. (SE)

Survey responses from 22 of 100 British adult education institutions found adult students had a variety of motivations, both vocational and nonvocational, for participating in metal working courses. Access to resources and adequate course offerings was sometimes difficult for part-time students. (SK)

Although research identifies a plethora of evidence-based instructional practices, classroom teachers find research difficult to access and often of little relevance to classroom practice; therefore, they do not implement these practices. Bridging the gap between research and practice requires continued and mediated support as teachers translate…

The United States is becoming less globally competitive as other nations move aggressively to educate their populations. To lead the world once again in educational attainment--President Obama's goal by 2020--more Americans will need to enter college. But the biggest challenge isn't college going; it is college completion. Around the country,…

Students who attend college part time are at a disadvantage relative to their full-time peers, according to a report released in June by the National Center for Education Statistics, an arm of the U.S. Department of Education. The report analyzes data from a 2004 national postsecondary student-aid study to create a profile of part-time…

The results of a survey of students in the Division of Extended Services at Tennessee Tech related to evening services are presented. (HMD)