Part 3

Lessons of Experience

 3.4 What is the medium of the learner support? 

Common media for learner support in the programmes researched are: direct human contact on a regular basis; printed text; ad hoc telephonic contact; videos, which in most programmes are available for learners to borrow and use in their own time and feedback on assignments. 

Peer group interaction is important in most of the programmes, but little support is offered in setting up and sustaining groups, especially outside of contact sessions, neither is much structured support offered in managing group dynamics. 

Audio tapes and radio broadcasts are offered in some programmes, although not all learners or learning centres have the facilities for playback. 

Telematics technology is used on one programme. 

Email and website usage is limited as currently few learners have access to these technologies or the skills to use them.