ABSTRACT
It has become more than evident that approaches to teaching and learning in higher education are being transformed in response to information and communications technology. What is not so clear is the impact of teaching and technological developments in distance education institutions. The guiding question is: what impact will these developments have on the evolution of distance education institutions? The sine qua non of distance education has been independent study through prepared course materials that would guide the individual learner. Teaching was embedded in the instructional materials provided to the student. The exclusive goal of this approach was to provide access at a minimal cost. Serious pedagogical compromises were necessary to reach this goal of greatly expanded access. What has radically changed as a result of these developments is a focus on the nature and quality of the educational transaction. Interaction and independence are no longer a zero-sum game. Access is no longer tied to low-cost independent study approaches.
