Distance education and electronic networking

Abstract Distance education, particularly using electronic communications, has much potential in helping the developing world. This potential is augmented by multimedia. This potential is analysed using the UK's Open University as a case study. A range of applications is described: from student tutorial support, collaborative learning, access to educational resources on the Internet, through to full delivery of all materials electronically. The alternative model of using TV broadcast solely as a way of extending current lecture‐based provision is rejected. Various drawbacks associated with language and culture and economics are identified, but on balance the recommendation is to use distance education via the Internet, but in local forms.