Page 13 - Universitas Terbuka Center of Excellence In Asia 2010 and The World 2020 (A Journey Towards a Leading Open and Distance Education Institution 1984-2008)

use of distance education system in higher education, in which some institutions
have already had the experience.

Chapter 2 presents the development of academic field in UT, covering
discussion about study program , curriculum , and courses . It can be said that

these three aspects are the heart of educational program which influence the
other aspects. Therefore, by paying close attention to these three aspects,
readers will understand the development of other aspects of UT distance

education practice.
Chapter 3 discusses the development of learning and supplementary

materials. As a distance education institution which acknowledges the importance
of media as the "vehicle" for transferring knowledge from teachers to learners ,

UT continues to develop various kinds of media which can function as reliable
and proper vehicles. In reality, the effort is not straightforward due to constraints
in the development process and media utilization of course materials. These

constraints should not discourage UT in providing media services to students, as
UT is aware of the fact that media is vital component in the delivery of distance

education.
Chapter 4 illustrates the use of tutorial as learning support for distance

learners. In distance education system, learning process involves self-study, in
which students must have learning initiative to study on their own, or form a
study group, or consult with tutors and supervisors. Although self-study is

required , distance education institution is obliged to provide learning support
services for the students. Learning support should be provided since there are
various types of students' characteristics in terms of age, educational level ,

study habit, study skill, or readiness and ability to study on their own . Therefore,
learning support services should be provided , even if only a small number of

students actually utilize it. UT tutorial services are provided either face-to-face
or at a distance by means of various media.

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