An exploration of cross-institutional co-operation in distance education course development

Abstract

The prospects of cross-institutional co-operation in the development of distance education courses as an alternative to the establishment of regional (trans-national) distance teaching universities are explored. With a review of the literature pertaining to the recorded performance of regional universities as background to the study, an exploration of cross-institutional co-operation in course development addresses potential benefits of such ventures, providing answers to why individuals/institutions would engage in them; the extent to which they have been practised among Australian higher education institutions; whether, in practice, they have been a success or failure; and the factors which have led to the success or failure of those ventures. A comparison of the factors affecting the operational success of regional (trans-national) universities with cross-institutional co-operation in course development is effected. ... The study also suggests two broad models for effective cross-institutional course development ventures.