Study Group 1 Compiled Report
Distance Education Institutions
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1.	 University of South Africa
2.	 University of Maryland University College
3.	 Open University of Catalonia
4.	 British Open University
5.	 University of Queensland
6.	 Central Radio and Television University in China
7.	 Unites States Open University
8.	 Open University of Israel
9.	 Australian University of Applied Psychology
10.	  Open University of Hong Kong
11.	  Fern Universitat in Hagen
12.	  Empire State College

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The University of South Africa (UNISA)

The mission or aim of UNISA is twofold: to open up universities to employed adults and to provide them with a second chance to gain a university education; and to make it possible for the black population, formerly under apartheid, to gain a university education.  The distance education program offers the Arts, Economic and Management Sciences, Law, Science, Education and Theology and Religious Studies.  Historically the delivery system was through correspondence, but currently efforts are being made to use electronic mail by students who have access to the Internet.  Interaction between students and teachers is accomplished primarily through correspondence and telephone.  Tutors interact with students via telephone, mail and when possible through e-mail.  There are opportunities for face-to-face interaction at vacation schools where instructors chair discussions.  A limited number of lectures take place at learning centers where students can also discuss problems experienced in their studies.  Special services provided by UNISA include library services and examination centers.

The University of Maryland University College (UMUC)

The mission of UMUC is to provide educational opportunities for adults who because of family and work obligations are unable to attend traditional day time face-to-face classes and active military in Europe and Asia who wish to seek a bachelors or masters degree.  Degrees are offered Online in Business Management, Computer Studies and Information Technology, History, English, MBA, Psychology to name a few.  In all 16 Undergraduate degrees and 11 Graduate Degrees are offered. Students must have access to the appropriate technology in order to participate in the distance education program.  All interaction occurs over the Internet.  UMUC utilizes its own platform for delivery called Web Tycho.  This platform allows interaction to occur between individuals, between students and the instructor and between groups of students and the instructor.  Students maintain a portfolio, which accurately tracks their participation.  Services provided are an extensive library, a virtual bookstore and a chat room.  All actions are asynchronous. 

The Open University of Catalonia (OUC)

OUC is located in northeastern Spain (Barcelona) and is advertised as the first virtual university.  The mission of OUC is to provide an opportunity to a diverse population of working adults to achieve a university education.  Most of the students are employed full time, study at home and set their own timetables.  In this early stage of development OUC offers degrees in Business Studies and Educational Psychology.  It combines multimedia applications, electronic mail, videos and tapes with print.  It is the first teaching institution to be entirely built around communications technology.  Interaction between the teacher and student is accomplished via electronic mail, postal service and study meetings held twice a semester.  Students who do not have Internet access depend upon the mail and telephone for communication.  Basic course material arrives by mail.  Special services include a virtual library and cafeteria for students who have the appropriate technology. 

The British Open University

The British Open University was established in 1969 and was founded by the government. Its development is one of the most monumental points in the history of distance education. To quote Otto Peters " After 25 years, we can see the following to the list of positive points: its leading role in distance-education research, and its great international influence in support for other distance-teaching universities, above all in developing countries."(Peters: 2000, pg167)

The British Open Universities' goals are to offer educational opportunities to adults.  Students at OU need not have any qualifications.  This humanitarian effort was able to reach 24,000 students in its first year.  These students were often economically disadvantaged or disenfranchised and were able to receive top-notch education at low cost. 50% were female. How marvelous it must have been and continues to be for these previously overlooked individuals to have options to engage in stimulating educational endeavors.  By 1998 it had 210,000 students

The British Open University provides education in two basic forms. Firstly, it presents its structured materials in the form of printed texts, highly developed instructional technology based materials, and video and audio courses.  
There are extensive face-to-face tutorial obligations and conferencing and telephone opportunities for support.  Secondly, advanced students are offered the opportunity to participate in ?study packages? through the utilization of sophisticated software an less mandatory face-to-face tutoring.  Thus, it seems that OU utilizes many of the available media in presentation of there courses including print, home laboratories (there are the stories of frogs being sent to science students for dissection), CD-ROMs, radio and television, cassettes along with extensive face-to-face support and guidance.

This guidance is in the form of contact with tutors (face-to-face), seminars and telephone guidance to name a few.  

Finally, in regard to curriculum, OU of the UK offers an extensive curriculum spanning from Art History to Technology.  It is of great interest to go their site and examine their approach to a particular subject matter of interest as it is invariably fresh and intriguing.

University of Queensland

The University of Queensland of Australia was established in 1910.  Being that Australia is so geographically dispersed distance education is especially important.  In 1990 the National Distance Education Consortium was created to reduce competition between the eight major universtities in order to inspire each establishment to cater to the needs of the learners in specific geographies. 

The University of Queensland has a very advanced technologic programs.  They also cater to nursing as this is a particular need in the area.  Due to strict governmental control, curriculum is specified to a large extent from this central source.

Queensland is a dual mode university and the distance courses require entry level status that are the sames  campus courses. The students vary vastly in profile but Queensland. 

Australia is very technologically advanced and their distance courses are interesting examples of high tech., multimedia based distance education. Their online course offferings are cutting edge and worth examining for there delivery systems and design. 

Central Radio and Television University in China

This is one of the two largest distance education establishments in the world.  Keegan calls it a "mega-unversity" and believes that these immense operations will play an increasingly important role in underdeveloped countries.

Students participate in their studies during normal working hours of the day.  Thus, courses are not geared toward the already working adult but the student preparing to enter the workplace. 

The main medium for teaching is television.  CCTV is low cost manner of broadcasting lectures by the most respected of lecturers.  Students then participate in discussion groups.  Students are also expected to meet reading assignments and even participate in sporting events as well as many other activities that demand a great deal of time and dedication.  There is a 30% drop out rate.

These courses are not humanitarian efforts as in the British Open University or geographically inspired as in USQ but created more to keep pace with technology and educational developments as a country.  It may be said that the goal here is not to satisfy individual curiostity or inspire individual creative thought as to merely "modernize"
through use of the "technical extension model" based telecourses.

United States Open University

1.	History
United States Open University is the sister institution of The Open University chartered over 30 years ago in the United Kingdom.  Currently, more than 200,000 students in over 41 countries study with The Open University.  I believe this reference is to the university in the U.K.  No additional information was found.

2.	Distance Teaching/Training Programs
Initially, they will offer only a small selection of the credit courses in The Open University curriculum as well as non-credit and certificate courses. They state that new courses will be introduced each semester. Students choose to study one course or build studies into a degree program. Presently, United States Open University courses contribute to the following degrees: 
·	Business Administration BS 
·	Computing BS 
·	English BA 
·	European Studies BA 
·	Humanities BA 
·	Information Technology BS 
·	International Studies BA 
·	Liberal Arts BA 
·	Master of Business Administration 
·	Master of Science in Computing 
·	Social Sciences BA 

3.	Methods of Development and Delivery of the Respective Content
?United States Open University is committed to the highest standards of academic quality in its teaching, student learning, and assessment. In part this quality relies on the rigorous quality assurance process adopted by its sister university, The Open University.?

Each program has a Program Board of Studies consisting of United States Open University faculty together with a specially appointed Program Assessor who is a distinguished Professor in the subject field.

The Program Assessor reviews the courses to ensure that they meet students' needs and that their standards and course level are appropriate to the degree.

In addition, each program has a designated External Examiner who is also a distinguished US faculty member in the subject field. The External Examiner advises on and reviews the overall assessment strategy for the program, monitors student assessment, and submits an annual report to United States Open University.

United States Open University is accredited by the Accrediting commission of the Distance Education and Training Council.

United States Open University is a Candidate for Accreditation by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Course materials are delivered directly to the student via the postal service.  Each course combines a variety of learning materials and may include audio and videotapes, CD-ROMs, software, textbooks, and study guides. Together with assessment, personal support, and online services, these materials ?form an integrated system of learning.?

4.	Kind of Interaction With Students
Students also receive access to special course web pages on the Internet where they download the study calendar from the course web site, which gives a structured timetable for study. The course website also contains study assignments and other learning resources and provides access to computer conferencing with other students and with a personal Associate Faculty member. 

Each student is assigned an Associate Faculty member whose job is to help him or her succeed. Associate Faculty members are teaching experts who provide the support, guidance, and personal one-on-one feedback throughout the course. Students contact their Associate Faculty member by phone, e-mail, or computer conferencing. Each study group is comprised of no more than 25 students.  Students are encouraged to contact other students via computer conferencing to share ideas and debate viewpoints. 

Using the study calendar as a guide they study when and where their schedule permits. 
Assignments, that are usually pieces of written work or programming and other practical exercises, are submitted online. The student?s Associate Faculty member reviews the work and provides detailed constructive feedback as well as a traditional grade. 

There are work-related courses.  The assignments within these courses will usually relate course themes to the student's job or other real-life applications. 

Written proctored examinations are usually provided for each course. Students usually sit for these at an examination center near their home or place of work. To ensure fairness in grading from course to course, faculty from other US universities monitor and approve student grades. 

5.	Special Services Offered to Students
A Help Desk service is available to all registered US Open University students and Associate Faculty. Students are encouraged to call the Help Desk for assistance with installing course-specific and FirstClass software (similar to Webtycho) and to resolve any course website access problems.

More than 30,000 employers worldwide, such as Ford Motor Company Ltd, IBM, Hewlett Packard, Smith Kline Beecham, Motorola, Xerox and Pfizer, have provided tuition support for students in Open University courses.

The Open University of Israel

1.	History
Established in 1974 by the Ministry of Education, the University began teaching in 1976 and has an enrollment of about 29,000 students. The Open University of Israel offers an intricate home study system combining expertly formulated textbooks, 1,000 tutors, and over 100 study centers throughout Israel and an exacting battery of assignments and exams.

Largest academic press in Israel, publishing over one half million books annually

Over 100 study centers throughout Israel - and 47 centers equipped for studies via satellite
Integrating such technologies as teaching via satellite, computer-mediated studies, telecourses, multimedia, and informatics via internet.

197l The Committee on Higher Education recommended establishing an Open University in Israel along the lines of the Open University in Great Britain.
1973 With the support of the Minister of Education. the Government of Israel decided to establish the Open University of Israel. The Rothschild Foundation undertook the responsibility of establishing the Open University and its financing in the first years of development.  The Council for Higher Education authorized the establishment of the Open University as an Institution of Higher Learning.
1976 The first semester of studies at the Open University of Israel began on October 17.1993 Jewish Studies in the former Soviet Union - C.I.S - was inaugurated with 1,300 students throughout the C.I.S.
1994 The Open University began to integrate a variety of innovative, advanced technologies in its teaching programs: computer-mediated studies, studies via satellite, telecourses, multimedia, informatics.
1996 The Open University was authorized by the Israel Council for Higher Education to teach Master's degree programs (The first program - M.Sc. in Computer Science)
2.	Distance Teaching/Training Programs
Authorized by the Israeli Council for Higher Education to confer a Bachelor's Degree, the Open University of Israel offers about 400 courses in Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Computer Science, Social Sciences, Management, Psychology, Communications, Jewish Studies, Education, History, Music and Art. 

3.	Methods of Development and Delivery of the Respective Content
The Open University of Israel is a distance education university designed to offer academic studies to students throughout Israel. Its home study method allows students to pursue a higher education, whenever and wherever convenient, without interfering with their other personal and vocational obligations

Method of Study
Each course at the Open University is designed to meet the particular needs of the student coping with individual studies at home and is composed of most or all of the following elements: 
·	Textbooks published by the Open University of Israel 
·	Assignments 
·	Tutorial guidance 
·	Study centers 
·	Group study sessions 
·	Tutoring by telephone 
·	Final exam 
·	Cable TV broadcasts 
·	Telecourses 
·	Teaching via Satellite 
·	Multimedia 
·	Computer-Mediated teaching 
·	Laboratory kits 
·	Field trips and symposia

Study Texts 
The primary element of the Open University's study method is the printed text.  The course preparation team includes senior academic advisors, writers, external evaluators, assistants, editors, graphic artists, and media supplementation experts. Every course undergoes a comprehensive process of criticism, re-drafting and evaluation. Texts for each course total approximately 800-l,000 pages (l2 weekly units of 60-80 pages, requiring, on the average, l5-l8 hours of weekly study). 

The Open University produces texts for all of its courses and is the largest University Press in Israel and one of the largest publishing houses in the country. The Open University of Israel publishes over one half million volumes a year, about half of which are purchased outside the framework of the University's courses.

The language of study and the textbooks are in Hebrew.

Assignments and Exams 
The student must complete a battery of assignments reviewing the material to be covered, some in the form of computer-marked assignments and some graded by the student's tutor. Some courses have specific additional requirements, such as field trips, workshops, laboratory work or seminar papers. Final exams are held under supervision in exam centers throughout the country on designated days.

Special arrangements for supervised exams abroad can usually be made for students living there or visiting there for extended periods.

Accredited by the Council for Higher Education

4.	Kind of Interaction With Students

Study Centers and Tutors 
The Open University of Israel is a multi-campus University with studies held throughout Israel. The written textbooks are supplemented by a multi-media program as well as tutorial assistance in as flexible a manner as possible. 1,000 tutors throughout the country offer guidance and a personal link between the student and the University. They hold tutorial sessions in over 100 study centers throughout Israel to clarify and review the material, and are also available by telephone or mail. They offer advice, assistance, critical reading of assignments, and additional information whenever necessary. Tutorial sessions range in levels of frequency from once weekly to once every three weeks, depending on the study format chosen by the student. About 30% of the students prefer the individual format, and 70% are enrolled in the group study format. 

Group Study Sessions 
The Open University of Israel, in cooperation with the Histadrut - General Labor Federation, runs a program that combines preparatory teaching and a group study framework with intensive tutorial guidance. Designed initially to assist students with less formal education, such as community leaders of Project Renewal neighborhoods and Israeli workers and laborers, the program has been expanded to work places throughout the country.

Banks, the Police Force, Military Industries, El-Al Airlines, the Defense Ministry, the Israel Defense Forces, and a variety of other organizations, industries and business concerns enroll employees in group programs towards a Bachelor's Degree run by the Open University. These are usually run on the basis of weekly group study sessions. Some programs focus upon economics and management, others on social sciences.

5.	Special Services Offered to Students
Special kits are provided to beginning science students so that experiments may be performed at home. The electronics kit, for example, includes an oscilloscope, a signal generator, a power supply and other electrical components, which in different combinations allow for a broad range of experiments. Geology students receive kits of stones and minerals, and students of life sciences receive seeds, flowers, and flies. Advanced science courses require lab work in sophisticated laboratories throughout the country.

Symposia offering special screenings, guest lectures, and other educational elements to amplify and complement the course material are also held.

The Australian University of Applied Psychology

1.	History
Began in 1983.

2.	Distance Teaching/Training Programs
Many ACAP students study from home as part of the College?s Distance Education program. Distance Education (DE) offers these students a flexible study option comparable to the internal face-to-face study program. DE students have access to the latest instructional techniques designed to assist distance learning.

Students have the option of studying through the College?s Distance Education program or through mixed mode delivery allowing maximum flexibility to meet students? needs.

Students undertaking an ACAP credential are required to complete a designated number of hours in a workplace setting corresponding to their chosen course of study. 

Undergraduate Courses
·	Counseling 
·	Human Resource Development
·	Sport and Performance Psychology
·	Bachelor of Social Science

Post Graduate Courses
·	Counseling
·	Human Resource Development
·	Sport and Performance Psychology
·	Master of Counseling Graduate Diploma of Counseling 
·	Graduate Certificate in Counseling Skills
·	Graduate Diploma of Human Resource Development
·	Graduate Diploma of Counseling - (Sports Psychology strand)

3.	Methods of Development and Delivery of the Respective Content
Distance Education students receive specially designed study materials that include a 12-section module Study Guide, the module Textbook, a Readings package, how-to-study guides and timetables to assist in the learning process.

All modules are divided into 12 sections, each containing an abundance of content material, practical exercises and activities, clear cross-referencing to the Textbook and Readings package, a select bibliography and a self-assessment activity to review the learning achieved at the conclusion of each section studied. Students have immediate access to the College's Distance Coordinator and to the College's Academic Team or they can arrange to call or email their module Tutor to assist them during this learning process and to enhance the integration of skills and knowledge.

The College's External Advisory Committee is comprised of a diverse range of active and influential people drawn from industry, education, community groups, public and private training providers, and government agencies. Their role is to ensure objectivity and balance of advice to the College's Executive Staff in regard to the operational and strategic goals of the College. The advice given by members of the Committee assists the College to consolidate its present service delivery, to be well informed regarding shifts in government policy, and to maintain quality assurance at all levels of the College's development, planning and service delivery. In turn, the College's Executive Staff updates and informs the Committee regarding current and pending developments both operationally and academically

The College's courses are nationally accredited through the NSW Government Vocational Education and Training Accreditation Board (VETAB). The College is a government registered training provider under the National Framework for the Recognition of Training and is registered to accept overseas students. The College is a full Member of the Australian Council for Private Education and Training (ACPET). Modules within the Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma of Counseling courses are listed by the NSW Psychologists Registration Board as supervision time for Psychologists-in-training. Students completing the Certificate or Diploma of Management in Human Resource Development are eligible for membership of the Australian Human Resources Institute

4.	Kind of Interaction With Students
As mentioned before, students have the option of studying through the College's Distance Education program or through mixed mode delivery allowing maximum flexibility to meet students? needs.

The combination of attending internal classes and studying some modules by Distance Education is referred to as 'mixed mode' study. This combination of study formats is popular with those students whose family, work and lifestyle commitments require a high degree of flexibility. Mixed mode study provides the convenience of attending some internal classes while completing other modules by Distance Education.

Each student is assigned a module Tutor to facilitate the learning process, to conduct the module tele-tutorial (a telephone conference call with other DE students), to mark and grade the student's assessments, to conduct the module workshop (if relevant) and to be of assistance throughout the learning period either by phone or email contact.

The College also provides Distance Education Workshops. These Workshops are an opportunity for students to review and reinforce the learning that has taken place, to practice skills and to work intensely with the module Tutor and fellow students. Distance Education Workshops place great emphasis on the integration of theory and practice. Students participate in exercises, activities and role-plays that facilitate learning and skill development. Most core modules of all credentials have a Workshop component.

The College supports Distance Education students to form student networks. These networks provide support and encouragement to participants as well as creating working partnerships to help with assessments and learning exercises

Distance Education students are encouraged to seek out a trusted 'Mentor' or a fellow 'Learning Partner' for the duration of their studies. A 'Mentor' is a trusted and experienced advisor able to provide the student with guidance, orientation, academic and practical support when needed. A 'Learning Partner' is someone, perhaps a fellow DE student living close by, with whom the student can work or practice skill development, discuss the module content or share the insights gained from the Readings package. An experienced Mentor or a friendly Learning Partner will contribute to the students overall learning and help sustain motivation and direction throughout the duration of the course.

5.	Special Services Offered to Students
·	New Student Orientation Program
·	Course Advice
·	Assistance with Essay Writing and Academic Skilling
·	Student Counseling and Support Unit
·	Library
·	The College has a formal policy for the recognition of Prior Learning. The maximum advanced standing that may be gained is 25% of the core modules within each course. Further information and requirements can be obtained from the Recognition of Prior Learning application form.

Open University of Hong Kong 

Mission
The Open University is dedicated to providing sub-degree, degree, and post grad courses through a system of open access making affordable higher education available to those aspiring to it. The University 'commits itself to excellence in teaching, scholarship and public service.' The Open -University is a self-financed non-profit organization governed by a council, which has control of the general functions, academics and conduct of the University.

History
Begun in 1989, as the Open Learning Institute, OUHK strives to provide high quality flexible 'further' education for adults. It's first class in 1989 saw 4,700 enrollments in 8 classes. Later, OLI graduated 161 
students. OLI was granted accrediting status in 1996 and University status in 1997.
Its President states that OUHK will bring education through distance to more people in the world, so potentials can be realized and lives transformed…" As such, OUHK has formed a 'World Alliance in DE' with the OU in the UK, and Athabasca and Deakin Universities to jointly develop innovative approaches.

Programs 
As of October 2000, some 92 programs are being offered through its school of business, education and language, science and technology, arts and social sciences, and professional and continuing education departments. 148 courses enroll just below a staggering 25,000 students. 
This would certainly qualify it as a 'large scale' institution. Students are given freedom to study where and when they want and are provided structured materials (set texts, printed materials, and TV broadcasts) to guide them.

Methods of Delivery
As mentioned, the program is primarily based on printed materials and assignments delivered by post.
Tutors provide comments on assignments and are available by telephone for questions.
Optional face to face tutorial sessions are offered, but they are not in a lecture format.
Some courses do also require compulsory attendance at lab sessions or 'day schools'.
Recently, a new on-line environment based on WebCT has been developed for courses, featuring electronic
bulletin and discussion boards, chat, e-mail, course calendar, news, materials and helps.

Student Services
UOHK supports students with an Electronic Library and a student Intranet. 
Its facilities include a study center, PC and science labs, library, a/v center and tutoring rooms.
Also, an off-campus learning facility (Island Learning Center) in Shun Tak was opened in October 2000.
Students are offered free access to learning centers whenever they wish.
In addition, a student 'Emergency Assistance Fund' provides interest-free loans to students to help 
students with special needs. 

Miscellaneous
There are no entry requirements other than for professional programs.
English and Chinese versions of the courses are available.
Student ratio is about 1:1 male to female.
Tutorial sessions are cancelled if 'Typhoon Signal No.8 or above is hoisted."
Web site: http://ouhk.edu.hk/about.html

Fern-Universitat in Hagen 

History and Mission
This 'unique university' in Germany was founded in 1974 by law to provide higher distance education for students at home and abroad. Study at the University is based on private study guided from a distance. 
It is a recognized institution with six academic departments that offer fully specialized DE, with requirements and degrees equivalent of those of the conventional universities in Germany.
 
Students can pursue studies individually, devise their own work schedule, and choose their work environment. These conditions of study meet the educational needs of those who cannot study conventionally because of professional or domestic commitment or physical inability. 

Programs
Six faculties (Computer Science, Economics, Law, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Education
and Social Sciences) offer degrees. They are Diplom1, Diplom11, and Magister Artium. Diplom1 is awarded after three years of study and is equal to a Bachelors degree. Diplom11/Magister after four years study is equivalent to a Masters degree.
 
58,000 students enroll in the1700 courses, which are offered mainly in the German language.
4,000 students live outside of Germany.

Methods of Delivery
Distance study here employs traditional paper based materials and printed course texts (Studienbrief).
received through the post at regular intervals. 
The study texts present overviews, reading selections, glossary of terms and assignmrnts to be completed.
Admission to final exams is dependent on grades attained in the required assignments.
Audiotapes are used in about 40 courses; videotapes in about 150 courses, also bi-weekly televised broadcasts. 
CMC (Computer Mediated Communication) used for submissions, assessment and evaluations of assignments. 
Computer based training programs are now offered to reach a higher level of individualized learning.
Experimental studies to test the transformation of paper based materials to digital environment
are on-going. Other modes of computer and video conferencing are being tested.

Student Support and Services
Provided by electronic mail, letter, phone or personal counseling at Hagen.
Some sixty study centers are scattered around Germany and in Austria, Hungary, and Switzerland.
Students can sit for exam here or at local branches of the Goethe Institute. 
Mentoren (tutors) are available at the study centers to advise students on their course of study.
Disabled students can arrange specialized courses in Braille, on audio cassettes, or diskettes.

Today, the Fern Universitat is developing a comprehensive 'Virtual University'
that would offer all services via electronic and multimedia technologies. Teaching materials, academic and administrative support and academic and social functions all would be accessible.

Miscellaneous
Admission is based on formal university entrance requirements and examinations.
Part time students take at least six years to obtain their Diplom1 and eight years for the Diplom11.
No scholarships are offered in German universities. 
Website: http://www.fernuni-hagen.de/FeU/Studium/artikel/hla.pdf

Empire State College (SUNY)
Mission
Founded in 197, as an extension to the New York State university system, ESC's mission was developed to
provide increased access to higher education to certain under served groups: namely  people in full-time employment, housewives, and minority groups. From the start, alternative means for providing courses
were developed and applied. The College organized its teaching methods around the specific situations
of the targeted students. "The aim was to motivate each student individually to thorough self-study
that would form the basis of the new teaching and learning system." (Peters, 1995 p.199)

Programs
In this highly progressive program, students work at their own pace, when and where they want.
Working closely with a course advisor, the student carefully designs his or her own program.
Credit for lifetime learning and volunteer experiences are liberally applied.
Associates and Bachelor level degrees are offered in nine major areas of study:
Arts, Sciences, Cultural Studies, Labor Studies, Science, Math, Technology, Business Management
and Economics.  
The College is structured on a 15 week term with five starts per year.
To date there have been over 10,000 course enrollments per year…(1,000) entirely at a distance.

Methods of Delivery
Through the Center for Distance Learning (CDL) some 200 courses are in print form; 
100 courses are delivered through the web (some with video and audio components) are available.
An increasing number of classes are now offered on-line.
The student may choose the format whether entirely through print materials, over the web, and 
occasionally in both formats. No classroom attendance is required. Courses are completely self-contained 
and do not require proctoring.

Student Support and Services
The student has constant and close contact with a faculty member through telephone, e-mail or
mail. Faculty are specialists in course content and monitor student progress and provide evaluation.
A virtual library is available with on-line support of a 'cybrarian'.
Study groups are organized for additional support.

Miscellaneous
348 Mentors help plan and coordinate programs.
82% are part-time students… 54% are women… 2,000 total students
English fluency required.
Professionals, managers and skilled workers are prime demographic.
Center for Workforce advancement offers six week short courses.
Cross registration is available with other institutions
Web site: http://www.esc.edu/cdl

References:
Peters, O. (1998). Learning and Teaching in Distance Education - Analyses and Interpretations from an International Perspective.  Pg. 199 London: Kogan Page.