Some Implications for Distance Educators. Occasional Papers 3.

Issues in distance education at the tertiary level in Australia are addressed in three papers. The need to provide mature students with information before course attendance is discussed by Edward R. Reid-Smith in "Why Educational Advisory Services for Mature Students?" During 1982-1984, new external students at Riverina College of Advanced Education were sent a pre-course informational package that covered time management, motivation, finance, and the family. A "Returning to Study" correspondence course was also offered. E. David Meacham's paper, "Suggestions Arising from an Investigation of Distance Education in the United Kingdom," explores the relevance of external studies in the United Kingdom to educational practice at the Riverina College of Advanced Education. Information is included on external studies and industry, resource-based learning, staff development, design of learning materials, and computer-assisted learning. In "Motivation of Adults: Implications of Adult Learning Theories for Distance Education," Michael Hough considers the problem of motivating adults, with attention to: adult learning principles; needs and interests of adults; the design of adult programs; and implications for tertiary colleges and staff, particularly those involved in correspondence teaching. (SW)