Introduction

Many conventional institutions have perceived the 'sunrise industry' potential of Open and distance learning (ODL) and have set up subdivisions to develop it. With a tighter focus on retention rates in ODL, the introduction of information technology into student support and developing interest in student outcomes, there is increased interest in student support in ODL and the role it plays. The term 'student support' will cover as complete a spectrum of activities as possible, from the organizing and management of student support including staff development through to direct interaction with students as tutors, advisers, mentors and other roles. Some people claim St Paul's Epistles as the first open and distance learning package consisting of both correspondence and a face-to-face element. There are nearly 30 open universities operating in developed and developing world environments and countless other organizations working at non-higher education levels.