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> -----Original Message----- > From: Ian Winship [SMTP:[log in to unmask]] > Sent: Thursday, October 12, 2000 2:29 PM > To: [log in to unmask] > Subject: RE: e-university > > > Most university libraries already operate as an e-library to some extent, > particularly for distance learners, in offering databases, journals, data, > past exam papers and so on across the Net as well as providing support by > email and, in some cases, synchronously with chat. Any impoverishment would > mainly be in relation to books, where there are considerable barriers in > regard to dealing with copyright issues, despite current HEFCE/JISC funded > activity working for solutions. [Jones, Chris] I think there are perhaps two issues raised by Ian's message. a) The support offered might be of a different character on email or chat. The research project I'm currently working on has provided some data on how students experience their contact with tutors online. It suggests that the questions they ask online need to be well defined and explicit. This provides quick and good responses from tutors. If the enquiry is poorly defined or is badly articulated students experience frustration as unlike a face to face communication they cannot repair breakdowns in understanding very easily (or if in an asynchronous medium very quickly). b) Impoverishment in relation to books might be a serious concern ;-). The e-university is intended to compete on quality with the 'best' universities. As Ian suggests set texts provide one answer but this does restrict the students' experience of searching out information and the serendipity of stumbling across new sources whilst browsing. The Web can provide some elements of this but an e-university might need considerably more. The OU has tried to move away from the set book format with resource based learning on courses such as IT and Society THD 204 and Web based courses such as T171. Chris %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%