This work presents an account of research and development activities in open, distance and flexible learning. 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.

Draws together the experiences, insights and findings of some of the world's leading staff developers in open and flexible education. The book is designed to provide an overview of the trends, influences and events which are shaping the work of these professionals and the policy changes, processes and outcomes they are helping to bring about in this expanding field.

Draws together the experiences, insights and findings of some of the world's leading staff developers in open and flexible education. The book is designed to provide an overview of the trends, influences and events which are shaping the work of these professionals and the policy changes, processes and outcomes they are helping to bring about in this expanding field.

Project work teaches and tests higher cognitive skills, gives the student a measure of responsibility and allows for the application of knowledge. In open learning situations, however, it is often viewed as problematic, primarily because of the close supervision traditionally associated with this kind of study. In this handbook, the author shows how projects can be formulated to challenge and motivate the student most effectively. Topics discussed include types of projects, methods of data collection, spreading the workload, and assessment and tuition.

As online education becomes more familiar, so the reality of using it in teaching and learning has moved beyond the realm of the specialist. Pedagogy and best practice
Delivering Learning on the Net explores the reality of online education today. Martin Weller chaired the groundbreaking Open University course You, Your computer and the Net, which is now the largest for-credit online course in Europe. Based on this and his experiences elsewhere, the book is a comprehensive resource grounded in practical reality as well as in research. Key issues covered include:
*the Net and its...