Rethinking Learner Support in Distance Education: Change and Continuity in an International Context

by Mills,Roger; Mills,Roger

• ISBN13: 9780415301435
• ISBN10: 0415301432
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2003-01-16
• Publisher: RoutledgeFalmer

Summary

This book considers the changing needs and demands of distance education students. It draws together contributions from the UK, USA, Hong Kong, Australia, Japan, South Africa and Botswana, to offer an international perspective on distance learning. Issues addressed include the challenges and implications of new technology, quality assurance, commercialization, the learner as consumer, and the impact of cultural differences on internationalized curricula.

Table of Contents

List of figures and tables	ix
List of contributors	x
Introduction	1	(2)
Constructivism or Confucianism? We have the technology, now what shall we do with it?	3	(11)
Louise Aylward
Exploring informal student study groups in a South African teacher education programme	14	(14)
Carol Bertram
Supporting the masses? Learner perceptions of a South African ODL programme	28	(13)
Norma Corry
Tony Lelliott
Addressing the learning skills needs of students at a distance: a dual medium approach	41	(14)
Margaret Johnson
Clive Barrett
Supporting the student in new teaching and learning environments	55	(9)
Brian Kenworthy
The importance of the tutor in open and distance learning	64	(13)
Helen Lentell
Remembering our common work: institutional support for open learning	77	(13)
Alan Mandell
Lee Herman
On-line learning and supporting students: new possibilities	90	(12)
Robin Mason
The centrality of learner support in open and distance learning: a paradigm shift in thinking	102	(12)
Roger Mills
Distance higher education and library services in Japan	114	(9)
Chieko Mizoue
Changing entrenched learner support systems: vision and reality	123	(19)
Evelyn Pulane Nonyongo
Lost and found: open learning outside the doors of academe	142	(13)
Jennifer O'Rourke
Challenges in adjusting to new technology in supporting learners in developing countries	155	(13)
Jason Pennells
Delivering learner support on-line: does the medium affect the message?	168	(17)
Marion Phillips
Rethinking learner support in the Open University UK: a case study	185	(13)
Alan Tait
Collaborative on-line learning: transforming learner support and course design	198	(14)
Mary Thorpe
Index	212