This book explores the ways in which technology is being used by various open universities in developing countries to extend learner support services to distance learners. It shares the best practices being followed by different open universities so that these may be replicated by other universities. It provides an overview of the use of various digital technologies, e-learning tools, eLearning platforms, virtual learning environments, and synchronous and asynchronous technologies in open and distance learning (ODL) systems. Moreover, it discusses the importance of ODL systems in providing inclusive education in developing countries through the use of ICT with a special focus on adult, rural and elderly learners, as well as the role of technology in science education through ODL system. A transformative model of sustainable collaborative learning is presented, integrating concepts based on theoretical frameworks to increase the flexibility and solve existing issues in developing countries, which may be used for policy changes in distance learning. It concludes by examining various challenges in successfully implementing technology for effective delivery of learner support services in distance education systems in developing countries and exploring the strategies required to overcome these challenges.

Distance learning is becoming an increasingly popular way of studying, and most universities now provide courses using these methods. Today's students, though, are demanding high quality, consumer-focused and flexible courses, as well as learning resources and active learner support. This means that providers of distance education need to reconsider key issues about their learner support systems, ensuring that this is delivered appropriately and effectively. Considering the changing needs and demands of distance education students, this book draws together contributions from the UK, USA, Hong Kong, Australia, Japan, South Africa and Botswana, to offer an international perspective on: * the challenges and opportunities of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) * quality assurance, commercialisation and the learner as consumer * the impact on learners of cultural differences on internationalised curricula * the implications for learner support of a wider range of learners This book should be read by all those involved in developing and delivering distance education courses.

The book presents a comprehensive account of research and development activities in open, ditance and flexible learning from acknowledged experts from around the world. The use of open, distance and flexible learning materials is expanding dramatically, not just in schools, further and higher education but also in industry, commerce and the social services. Most higher education institutions now have an open learning unit or educational development centre, and major organisations such as british Steel, National Westminster Bank, Leeds Building Society, Rover Cars and the Inland Revenue have formed units to develop teaching and training materials. Internationally, growth is even more impressive, with new open universities planned for Singapore, Bangladesh, South Africa and india, whist those in Malaysia, Thailand and Australia continue to expand. But current and future practice must be based on research evidence rather than intuition. With contributions from all the leading names in this field, this book will be a key sourcbook for teachers, trainers and students.

Johnson continues her extensive research with case studies of some of the world's standout examples of distance education. Topics include pedagogy, student support services, design and delivery of programs, issues of assessment, evaluation, accreditation, and emerging technology standards.

In today's technology-crazed environment, distance learning is touted as a cost-effective option for delivering employee training and higher education programs, such as bachelor's, master's and even doctoral degrees. Distance Learning Technologies: Issues, Trends and Opportunities provides readers with an in-depth understanding of distance learning and the technologies available for this innovative media of learning and instruction. It traces the development of distance learning from its history to suggestions of a solid strategic implementation plan to ensure its successful and effective deployment.

This study draws on the experiences of one population of distance learners, comprised of adult women, enrolled in a distance learning program in the context of a Midwest dual-mode higher education institution to better understand the impact of student support on their distance learning experience. While limited to a specific institutional context and distance education program, this systematic examination of support service needs of adult distance learners represents a practical application of literature and contributes to and confirms the work of others. By and large, the 28 support services and assistance provided were important to this population of learners. These services fall within six functional categories identified in the literature as important supports for distance learners: recruitment and enrollment services, academic support, educational materials and resources, community development, financial services, and technical support. One conclusion drawn from this study is that these areas provide a good starting point for any distance education program interested in designing ways to support distance learners. That is, even in the context of specialized programs and groups of learners, there are some basic similarities that can be adapted and modified particular to the institutional context and learners. However, even within a distance learning program designed to meet the needs of one population of learners, there is much diversity in terms of learner dispositional and situational circumstances that impact their support needs. Therefore, the institution must be prepared to provide a range of student support throughout the distance learner's experience. The manner in which support services were provided was a major factor in students' perceptions of effective support assistance. Providing timely and accurate information, providing assistance that is responsive to the individual needs of the learners, and building a sense of community to overcome feelings of isolation had an impact on students' level of satisfaction with support assistance. In addition, it was further revealed in this study that how the distance education unit interacts within the larger institutional context impacts the quality of services and is, therefore, an important consideration in the design and delivery of student support for distance learners.

Development of communications technology is enabling reference librarians to enhance the services they provide for distance learners. This book explores the recent developments in this field.