ABSTRACT
A growing number of open and flexible learning programmes are based around telecommunications. Students study in their own time and place, but are connected to their tutor and other students via a computer network based either on the telephone system or a local or wide area network. The primary role of telecommunications in these programmes is the opportunity for discussion and exchange of ideas and queries amongst students and tutors. However, once the problems inherent in providing electronic access have been overcome (for example, equipment, line charges, support costs), it is only sensible to explore the new communications facility to see what other benefits it might bring.
