Selecting and Designing Low-Cost Media for Distance Education. Papers on Information Technology No. 238.

This paper argues that recent developments in technology hold considerable promise for distance education. Audiocassettes, audiographics (the combining of natural sound, via the telephone or audiocassettes, with computer-generated graphics), videocassettes, and computer conferencing are used as examples to identify factors that should be considered in media selection, including access, costs, student control, teacher control, organization, teacher time, and teaching objectives. The use of the CYCLOPS audiographics system in distance tutorials of the Open University is highlighted. Difficulties in introducing these newer technologies into existing distance education systems are also discussed. Reasons for using the newer media in distance education are offered, including their potential for improving access to and providing variety in learning materials, their instructional strength, and their cost effectiveness. Twelve references are listed. (LMM)