ABSTRACT

This chapter discusses the facilities and suitability for the development of Distance Learning (DL) materials, and evaluates the experiences arising from the participation in a DL experiment. The evaluation suggests the need for clarity of objectives and rationale for a virtual university because of embedded notions. The chapter proposes the use of Soft Systems Methodology for structuring the set of design activities. It demonstrates an example of the activities that can be undertaken in order for each group of participants to develop specific DL applications. Technical difficulties, social culture of participants, aims and objectives, course content and facilitator role all played a part in the participant's commitment to the exercise. In an environment whereby contributions are essential to the ethos of the medium, variable commitments of the participants provided inequality of submissions. In addition, the medium is described as labour intensive requiring an appreciation of both the facilitator and participant role.