The cost and usage of study centres in distance education

"Delivery systems for distance education courses consist essentially of two components: study materials and student support services. Study materials are distinguished by the fact that they are capable of preparation in advance and are normally delivered to the student prior to the commencement of semester. Print is the main form of study material used but it may be supplemented by, or integrated with, audio and video cassettes, video discs, computer-assisted-learning software and home experiment kits. Support services operate while the course is in progress and involve human interaction, though often via some technical medium. Academic support services involve interaction that facilitates the learning process and may include face-to-face tutorials, telephone tutorials, visits to study centres, on-campus study schools as well as written correspondence. Submission and return of assignments with appropriate feedback is an integral part of this support. Other types of support services associated with learning at a distance are administrative support e.g. enrolment advice, counselling and library services."--p. 1-1.