Human cognition research laboratory: the Open University (U.K.)

The Open University is the UKS largest University and also its largest publisher. Our specialty is ‘multimedia distance teaching’ via texts, TV programrnes (we have our own dedicated BBC studio/production centre on campus), radio, cassettes, videos, computers, ‘home experiment kits’ (e.g. chemistry labs, reek samples, etc.). Over 80,000 undergraduates are currently enrolled, as well as over 40,000 Continuing Education students (the former study for a B.A. degree, whereas the latter just take isolated courses). There are no entrance requirements, but strict standards are maintained by external examiners from other universities who assist with the assessment of final examinations. More than 2,000,000 people have now studied with the OU in one or other of its progmmmes. Approximately 20,000 students each year are involved with courses that have a ‘home computing’ element. A special government scheme helps to keep costs low so that computers are accessible to all students (by loan or rental, if necessary).