Required Textbook

    Sweet, R. (1993). Perspectives on distance education series: Student support services: Towards more responsive systems - Report on a Symposium on Student Support Services in Distance Education. Delhi, Vancouver, Canada: Commonwealth of Learning. 

Unit 1: Context and Elements of Student Support

Introduction and Overview

Required Readings

     Brindley, J. E. (1995). Learner services: Theory and practice, Distansutbildning i itveckling, Rapport nr. 11 (pp. 23-34). Umea, Sweden: University of Umea.

     Dirr, P. (1999). Putting principles into practice: Promoting effective support services for students in distance learning programs. A report on the findings of a survey. Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. Retrieved July, 2001, from the World Wide Web: http://www.wiche.edu/Telecom/Projects/studentservices/index.htm

     Krauth, B., & Carbajal, J. (2000). Guide to developing online student services. tern Cooperative for Education Telecommunications, Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. Retrieved July, 2001, from the World Wide Web: http://www.wiche.edu/telecom/resources/publications/guide/guide.htm

     Robinson, B. (1995). Research and pragmatism in learner support. In F. Lockwood (Ed.), Open and distance learning today (pp. 221-231). London: Routledge.

     Rumble, G. (2000). Student support in distance education in the 21st century: Learning from service management. Distance Education, 21(2), 216-235.

     Tait, A. (1995). Student support in open and distance learning. In F. Lockwood (Ed.), Open and distance learning today (pp. 232-241). London: Routledge.

Optional/Additional Readings

     Croft, M. (1991). Report on round table on student support services. Vancouver, Canada: The Commonwealth of Learning.

     Dillon, C. L., Gunawardena, C. N., & Parker, R. (1992). Learner support: The critical link in distance education. Distance Education, 13(1), 29-45.

     Duffy, T. M., & Jonassen, D. E. (Eds.). (1992). Constructivism and the technology of instruction: A conversation. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.

     Glennie, J. (1996). Towards learner-centred distance education in the changing South African context. In R. Mills & A. Tait (Eds.), Supporting the learner in open and distance learning (pp. 19-33). London, UK: Pitman Publishing.

     Knowles, M. J. (1980). The modern practice of adult education: From pedagogy to androgogy (2 ed.). New York: Cambridge University Press.

    Tait, A. (In press).  Re-thinking learner support in the Open University UK:  a case study.  Open Learning.

Elements of Student Support

Topic 1: Tutoring and Teaching

Required Readings

     Berge, Z. L. (1995). The role of the online instructor/facilitator. E-Moderators.com. Retrieved August 2, 2001, from the World Wide Web: http://www.emoderators.com/moderators/teach_online.html

    McLoughlin, C., and Luca, J.  (2000).  Cognitive engagement and higher order thinking through computer conferencing:  We know why but do we know how?  In A. Herrmann and M.M. Kulski (Eds.), Flexible Futures in Tertiary Teaching.  Proceedings of the 9th Annual Teaching Learning Forum, 2-4 February, 2000.  Perth:  Curtin University of Technology.  Retrieved February 11, 2002 from the World Wide Web:  http://cleo.murdoch.edu.au/confs/tlf/tlf2000/mcloughlin.html

    Thorpe, M.  (2002).  Rethinking learner support: the challenge of collaborative online learning.  Opening Learning, 17(2), 105-119.

    Wolcott, L. L. (1995). The distance teacher as reflective practitioner. Educational Technology(January/February), 39-43.

Optional/Additional Readings

     Garland, M. R. (1995). Helping students achieve epistemological autonomy. In D. Sewart (Ed.), 17th World Conference for Distance Education: One World Many Voices: Quality in Open and Distance Learning (Vol. 2, pp. 77-80). Milton Keynes, UK: International Council for Distance Education and The Open University.

     Keegan, D. (1986). Interaction and communication (Chapter 6). In D. Keegan (Ed.), The foundations of distance education (pp. 89-107). Kent, UK: Croom Helm.

     Moore, M. G. (1993). Theory of transactional distance. In D. Keegan (Ed.), Theoretical principles of distance education (pp. 22-38). London: Routledge.

     Morgan, C., & Morris, G. (1994). The student view of tutorial support: Report of a survey of Open University Education students. Open Learning, 9(1), 22-33.
Part I, Part II

     Naidu, S. (2001). Designing Instruction for eLearning Environments. In M. G. Moore (Ed.), Handbook on Distance Education: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

     Relan, A., & Gillani, B. J. (1997). Web-based instruction and the traditional classroom: Similarities and differences. In B. Khan (Ed.), Web-based instruction (pp. 25–37). New Jersey: Educational Technology Publications.

     Roberts, J., Brindley, J. E., & Spronk, B. (1998). Learning on the information highway: A learner's guide to the technologies. Toronto, Canada: Office of Learning Technologies/ Cheneliere/McGraw-Hill.

     Sweet, R. (1993). Student support services: Direction for change (Part I). In R. Sweet (Ed.), Perspectives on distance education series: Student support services: Towards more responsive systems, Report on a Symposium on Student Support Services in Distance Education. Delhi, Vancouver, Canada: Commonwealth of Learning.

Topic 2: Advising and Counselling

Required Readings

    Frankola, K.  (2000).  Why online learners drop out.  Workforce.com. Retrieved August, 2002, from the World Wide Web: http://www.workforce.com/archive/feature/22/26/22/index.php

     McLoughlin, C., and Marshall, L.  (2000).  Scaffolding:  A model for learner support in an online teaching environment.  In A. Herrmann and M.M. Kulski (Eds.), Flexible Futures in Tertiary Teaching.  Proceedings of the 9th Annual Teaching Learning Forum, 2-4 February, 2000.  Perth:  Curtin University of Technology.  Retrieved February 11, 2002 from the World Wide Web:  http://cleo.murdoch.edu.au/confs/tlf/tlf2000/mcloughlin.html

    O'Rourke, J. (1995). A piece of the jigsaw: Student advising in distance education. In A. Tait (Ed.), Collected Conference Papers, Sixth Cambridge International Conference on Open and Distance Learning (pp. 136-145). Cambridge, UK: The Open University.

    Phillips, M., & Scott, P. (1999). Multimedia advice, guidance and counselling on the Web: A prototype learner's guide. In A. Tait (Ed.), Collected Conference Papers, Sixth Cambridge International Conference on Open and Distance Learning (pp. 121-130). Cambridge, UK: The Open University.

    Simpson, O. (1992). Specifying student support services in the OU - the so-called Student Charter. Open Learning, 7(2), 57-59.

Optional/Additional Readings

    Bowser, D., & Race, K. (1991). Orientation for distance education students: What is its worth? Distance Education, 12(1), 109-122.

     Manning, E. (1997). The preparation of students for distance learning: Two very different approaches from a wider European perspective. In A. Tait (Ed.), Collected Conference Papers, The Cambridge International Conference on Open and Distance Learning (pp. 114-119). Cambridge, UK: The Open University.

    Nilsson, V. (1989). Voluntary academic assessment to enhance independent learning. In A. Tait (Ed.), Collected Conference Papers, The Cambridge International Conference on Open and Distance Learning (pp. 167-181). Cambridge, UK: The Open University.

   Tallman, F. D. (1994). Satisfaction and completion in correspondence study: The influence of instructional and student-support services. The American Journal of Distance Education, 8(2), 43-57.

Topic 3: Library, Registry, and Other Administrative Support Services

Required Readings

    Granger, D., & Benke, M. (1998). Supporting learners at a distance from inquiry through completion. In C. C. Gibson (Ed.), Distance learners in higher education (pp. 127-137). Madison, WI: Atwood Publishing.

    King, T. J. (1995). The identification of high dropout risk distance education students by the analysis of student records data. In D. Sewart (Ed.), 17th World Conference for Distance Education: One World Many Voices: Quality in Open and Distance Learning (Vol. 2, pp. 98-101). Milton Keynes, UK: International Council for Distance Education and The Open University.

    Phillips, S. E. (1995). The Commonwealth of Learning student record management system. In D. Sewart (Ed.), 17th World Conference for Distance Education: One World Many Voices: Quality in Open and Distance Learning (Vol. 2, pp. 437-440). Milton Keynes, UK: International Council for Distance Education and The Open University.

    Stephens, K., Unwin, L., & Bolton, N. (1997). The use of libraries by postgraduate distance learning students: A mismatch of expectations. Open Learning, 12(3), 25-33.

    Wong, A. T. (1997). Valuing diversity: Prior learning assessment and open learning. In A. Tait (Ed.), Collected Conference Papers, Sixth Cambridge International Conference on Open and Distance Learning (pp. 208-216). Cambridge, UK: The Open University.

Optional/Additional Readings

    Bazillion, R. & Braun, C. (1992). Technology and library users automation and outreach: Library services to off-campus students. Journal of Distance Education, 7(2), 67-75.

    Bolton, N., Unwin, L., & Stephens, K. (1998). The use of libraries by postgraduate distance learning students: whose responsibility? Open Learning, 13(1), 3-8.

    Cavenagh, T., & Lingham, B. (1994). Library services for external postgraduates and overseas students. Distance Education, 15(1), 112-152.
Part I, Part II

    Fage, J., & Mayes, R. (1995). Monitoring learners' progress. In R. Mills & A. Tait (Eds.), Supporting the learner in open and distance learning. London, UK: Pitman Publishing.


Unit 2: Planning and Managing Student Support Systems

Designing Services to Meet Needs: Learner Characteristics and Special Groups

Required Readings

    Diaz, D.P., and Cartnal, R.B. (1999).  Comparing student learning styles in an online distance learning class and an equivalent on-campus class.  College Teaching, 47(4), 130-135.  Retrieved March 11, 2002 from the World Wide Web:  http://home.earthlink.net/~davidpdiaz/LTS/html_docs/grslss.htm

    Hipp, H. (1997). Women studying at a distance: What do they need to succeed? Open Learning, 12(2), 41-49.

    Phillips, V. (2002).  Why does corporate e-learning fail?  Virtual University Gazette.  Retrieved July 2, 2002 from the World Wide Web:  http://www.geteducated.com/vug/june02/vug0602.htm

    Sanchez, I., & Gunawardena, C. N. (1998). Understanding and supporting the culturally diverse distance learner. In C. C. Gibson (Ed.), Distance learners in higher education (pp. 47-64). Madison, WI: Atwood Publishing.

Optional/Additional Readings

    Bilston, B. (1996). Supporting older learners in open and distance learning. In R. Mills & A. Tait (Eds.), Supporting the learner in open and distance learning (pp. 165-176). London, UK: Pitman Publishing.

    Evans, T. (1994). Endframes: uncovering the diversities of learners' contexts (Chapter 9). In T. Evans (Ed.), Understanding learners in open and distance education (pp. 122-133). London, UK: Kogan Page.

    Kirkup, G. (1996). The importance of gender. In R. Mills & A. Tait (Eds.), Supporting the learner in open and distance learning (pp. 146-164). London, UK: Pitman Publishing.
Part I
, Part II

    Leach, J. (1996). Learning in practice: support for professional development. In R. Mills & A. Tait (Eds.), Supporting the learner in open and distance learning (pp. 101-126). London, UK: Pitman Publishing.

    Morgan, A. (1995). Adult change and development: learning and people's lives. In D. Sewart (Ed.), 17th World Conference for Distance Education: One World Many Voices: Quality in Open and Distance Learning (Vol. 1, pp. 319-322). Milton Keynes, UK: International Council for Distance Education and The Open University.

    Spronk, B. (1995). Appropriating learning technologies: Aboriginal learners needs, technologies and practices. In J. M. Roberts & E. M. Keough (Eds.), Why the information highway: Lessons from open and distance learning (pp. 77-101). Toronto: Trifolium Books Inc.

    Stahmer, A. E. (1995). Learners in the workplace. In J. M. Roberts & E. M. Keough (Eds.), Why the information highway: Lessons from open and distance learning (pp. 41-59). Toronto: Trifolium Books Inc.

      Thompson, M. M. (1998). Distance learners in higher education. In C. C. Gibson (Ed.), Distance learners in higher education (pp. 9-24). Madison, WI: Atwood Publishing.

    Worth, V. (1996). Supporting learners in prison. In R. Mills & A. Tait (Eds.), Supporting the learner in open and distance learning (pp. 177-190). London, UK: Pitman Publishing.

Management and Organization of Student Support Services

Topic 1: Setting Goals, Planning, and Consideration of Organizational Structures

Required Readings

    Rumble, G. (1992). Strategic Planning (Chapter 3). In G. Rumble (Ed.), The management of distance learning systems (pp. 43-47). Paris: UNESCO / International Institute for Educational Planning.

    Sewart, D. (1993). Student support systems in distance education. Open Learning, 8(3), 3-12.

    Srivastava, M., & Reddy, V.V.  (2002).  Is information and communication technology reshaping the learner support? University News, 40(4), January 28-Februrary 3, 43-54.

    Sweet, R. (1993). Student support services: Direction for change (Part I). In R. Sweet (Ed.), Perspectives on distance education series: Student support services: Towards more responsive systems, Report on a Symposium on Student Support Services in Distance Education (pp. 1-40). Delhi, Vancouver, Canada: Commonwealth of Learning.

Optional/Additional Readings

    Mills, R. (1996). The role of student centres in open and distance education: A glimpse of the future. In R. Mills & A. Tait (Eds.), Supporting the learner in open and distance learning (pp. 73-87). London, UK: Pitman Publishing.
Part I, Part II

    Paul, R. H. (1990). Managing at a distance: Regional networks and off-campus tutors (Chapter 7). In R. H. Paul (Ed.), Open learning and open management: Leadership and integrity in distance education (pp. 99-118). London, UK: Kogan Page.

    Paul, R. H. (1990). Leadership, integrity and the future (Chapter 11). In R. H. Paul (Ed.), Open learning and open management: Leadership and integrity in distance education (pp. 169-189). London, UK: Kogan Page.

    Reid, J. (1995). The Commonwealth of Learning student record management system. In D. Sewart (Ed.), 17th World Conference for Distance Education: One World Many Voices: Quality in Open and Distance Learning (Vol. 2, pp. 190-193). Milton Keynes, UK: International Council for Distance Education and The Open University.

Topic 2: Staff and Staff Development

Required Readings

    Forster, A., & Hewson, L. (1998). Universities learning: The lure of the net. In C. Latchem & F. Lockwood (Eds.), Staff development in open and flexible learning (pp. 221-231). London, UK: Routledge.

    Gunawardena, C., & Zittle, R. (1998). Faculty development progammes in distance education in American higher education. In C. Latchem & F. Lockwood (Eds.), Staff development in open and flexible learning (pp. 105 – 114). London, UK: Routledge.

    Sewart, D. (1998). Tuition and counselling: Supporting teachers for competitive advantage. In C. Latchem & F. Lockwood (Eds.), Staff development in open and flexible learning (pp. 148-156). London, UK: Routledge.

    Zvacek, S. M. (2001). Confessions of a guerilla technologist. Educase Quarterly (2). Retrieved August 2, 2001, from the World Wide Web: http://www.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/eqm0129.pdf

Optional/Additional Readings

    King, B. (1999).  The writing on the wall:  the need for centrally led student support.  In R. Mills and A. Tait (Eds.), Collected Conference Papers, The Cambridge Conference on Open and Distance Learning, Learning and Teaching with New Technologies, (pp. 55-65). Cambridge, UK: The Open University.

  Lewis, R. (1998). Staff development in conventional institutions moving towards open learning. In C. Latchem & F. Lockwood (Eds.), Staff development in open and flexible learning (pp. 23-32). London, UK: Routledge.

    Sweet, R. (1993). Student support services: Direction for change (Part I). In R. Sweet (Ed.), Perspectives on distance education series: Student support services: Towards more responsive systems, Report on a Symposium on Student Support Services in Distance Education (pp. 1-40). Delhi, Vancouver, Canada: Commonwealth of Learning.

Topic 3: Quality Assurance, Evaluation and Research

Required Readings

    Brindley, J. E. (1995). Measuring quality in learner services; Building towards the future. In D. Sewart (Ed.), 17th World Conference for Distance Education: One World Many Voices: Quality in Open and Distance Learning (Vol. 2, pp. 49-52). Milton Keynes, UK: International Council for Distance Education and The Open University.

    Calder, J. (1994). Student recruitment and support services (Chapter 6). In J. Calder (Ed.), Programme evaluation and quality: A comprehensive guide to setting up an evaluation system (pp. 101-115). London, UK: Kogan Page.

    Paul, R. H. (1990). Managing for success: Learner interaction and independence (Chapter 6). In R. H. Paul (Ed.), Open learning and open management: Leadership and integrity in distance education (pp. 76-98). London, UK: Kogan Page.

    Thorpe, M. (1996). Issues of evaluation. In R. Mills & A. Tait (Eds.), Supporting the learner in open and distance learning (pp. 222-234). London, UK: Pitman Publishing.

Optional/Additional Readings

    Calder, J. (1994). The nature of evaluation (Chapter 1). In J. Calder (Ed.), Programme evaluation and quality: A comprehensive guide to setting up an evaluation system (pp. 15-30). London, UK: Kogan Page.

     McCollum, A., Calder, J., Ashby, A., Thorpe, M., & Morgan, A. (1995). Quality and learning effectiveness in vocational education. In D. Sewart (Ed.), 17th World Conference for Distance Education: One World Many Voices: Quality in Open and Distance Learning (Vol. 2, pp. 141-149). Milton Keynes, UK: International Council for Distance Education and The Open University.

    Mills, R., & Paul, R. H. (1993). Putting the student first: Management for quality in distance education. In T. Evans & D. Nation (Eds.), Reforming open and distance education (pp. 113-129). London, UK: Kogan Page.

    Tait, A. (1997). The importance of context in quality assurance in distance education. In A. Tait (Ed.), Quality assurance in distance education: International case studies (pp. 1-8). Vancouver, Canada: Commonwealth of Learning.

    Thorpe, M. (1992). Counselling and learner progress (Chapter 5). In M. Thorpe (Ed.), Evaluating open and distance learning (2 ed., pp. 88 -117). Harlow, UK: Longman.
Part I, Part II


Unit 3: Developing a Model of Student Support

Case Studies

Required Readings

    Brindley, J. E. (1995). Learners and learner services: The key to the future in distance education. In J. M. Roberts & E. M. Keough (Eds.), Why the information highway: Lessons from open and distance learning (pp. 102-125). Toronto: Trifolium Books Inc.

    Ryan, Y. (2001). The provision of learner support services online. In G. Farrell (Ed.), The changing faces of virtual education (pp. 71-94). Vancouver: Commonwealth of Learning.

    Tait, A. (2000). Planning student support for open and distance learning. Open Learning, 15(3), 287-299.

Optional/Additional Readings

    Brindley, J. E., & Paul, R. H. (1996). Lessons from distance education for the university of the future. In R. Mills & A. Tait (Eds.), Supporting the learner in open and distance learning (pp. 43-55). London, UK: Pitman Publishing.

Reference Case Studies

    Bhadane, N. R. (1993). Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University. In R. Sweet (Ed.), Perspectives on distance education series: Student support services: Towards more responsive systems, Report on a Symposium on Student Support Services in Distance Education (pp. 63-74). Delhi, Vancouver, Canada: Commonwealth of Learning.

    Brigham, D. (2001). Converting student support services to online delivery. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 1(2), 1-16.

    Kamau, J. W., & Selepeng-Tau, O. S. (1998). The University of Botswana. In E. P. Nonyongo & A. T. Ngengebule (Eds.), Learner support services: Case studies of DEASA member institutions. Pretoria, SA: University of South Africa.

    Khlibtong, N. (1993). Sukkothai Thammathirat Open University. In R. Sweet (Ed.), Perspectives on distance education series: Student support services: Towards more responsive systems, Report on a Symposium on Student Support Services in Distance Education (pp. 91-96). Delhi, Vancouver, Canada: Commonwealth of Learning.

    Maiaene, A., & Malefane, J. (1998). Overview of Lesotho Distance Teaching Centre's distance education model. In E. P. Nonyongo & A. T. Ngengebule (Eds.), Learner support services: Case studies of DEASA member institutions. Pretoria,SA: University of South Africa.

    Mehta, P. K. (1993). Case studies (Part II): Indira Gandhi National Open University. In R. Sweet (Ed.), Perspectives on distance education series: Student support services: Towards more responsive systems, Report on a Symposium on Student Support Services in Distance Education (pp. 45-51). Delhi, Vancouver, Canada: Commonwealth of Learning.

    Nonyongo, E. P. (1998). The South African Committee for Higher Education (Sached) Trust*. In E. P. Nonyongo & A. T. Ngengebule (Eds.), Learner support services: Case studies of DEASA member institutions. Pretoria, SA: University of South Africa.

    Ngengebule, A. T. (1998). University of South Africa (Unisa). In E. P. Nonyongo & A. T. Ngengebule (Eds.), Learner support services: Case studies of DEASA member institutions. Pretoria, SA: University of South Africa.

    Venkaiha, V. (1993). Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University. In R. Sweet (Ed.), Perspectives on distance education series: Student support services: Towards more responsive systems, Report on a Symposium on Student Support Services in Distance Education (pp. 53-58). Delhi, Vancouver, Canada: Commonwealth of Learning.