A Hybrid System for Delivering Web Based Distance Learning and Teaching Material

Over 150,000 students register with the Open University each year, including 5% nonUK EU students and 10% outside the EU. The University is considered by many to be the world’s leading distance learning institution. All students of the University are offered a comprehensive advice, guidance and learning support service, starting from the initial point of enquiry through to completion. A full range of media has traditionally been used to support students, including a strong telephone-based advice and guidance service, student toolkits on study skills, TV programmes, group and individual face-to-face support from course tutors and residential and day schools. Learning and teaching materials have been sent to students in a number of ways including print, broadcast television and radio, videocassettes, audiocassettes, home experiment kits and CD-ROM. The Open University is delivering computer-based learning and teaching materials to over 80,000 students and has over 140,000 users of its on-line services.