UNIVERSITY LEARNING AND LEARNING UNIVERSITIES: COLLABORATION OR COMPETITION?

The paper addresses several issues which impact on distance learning at university level including the tension between collaboration and competition. The focus on access, bears a direct relation to a number of concerns such as the ability of distance learning to provide for flexibility of study, for addressing the needs of persons in areas of low population density, and for transcending geographical boundaries. A comment on financial implications is also offered. A brief look is then taken at practice and staff development. In addition, a number of other concerns are highlighted for future consideration. Paper prepared for the Pan Commonwealth Forum on Open Learning, Brunei Darussalam, March 1-5, 1999 University learning and learning universities: collaboration or competition My task is to provide an overview of developments, trends and issues which relate to distance learning in the university sector in the Commonwealth- a task which is not easily accomplished in the time frame available; nor does it lend itself to broad generalisations, given the disparate structures, experiences and provisions which exist in this sector. I propose to draw on my knowledge of the Caribbean, and my own institution, The University of th