Abstract
The problems involved in the effective dissemination of information and ideas concerning teaching in higher education are discussed. The contribution made by the operation of the Open University is considered in this context.
The results of a study investigating the influence the Open University has on teaching staff in other institutions in higher education are reported and discussed. The teacher in higher education who is also a part-time staff member of the Open University is seen to be considerably influenced by the Open University. The influence of the Open University is attributed to the accessibility of its materials and its tendency to adopt the characteristics of curriculum innovation identified by the Nuffield researchers.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Becher, R. A. et al. (1973). Nuffield Group for Research and Innovation in Higher Education. Newsletter 1. London: Nuffield Foundation.
Becher, R. A. et al. (1974). Studies in Laboratory Innovation. Nuffield Group for Research and Innovation in Higher Education. London: Nuffield Foundation.
Becher, R. A. et al. (1975). The Drift of Change. Interim Report of the Nuffield Group for Research and Innovation in Higher Education. London: Nuffield Foundation.
Brew, A. (1978). “Resources for an independent study course,” in Brook, D. and Race, P. (eds.), Educational Technology in a Changing World. Aspects of Educational Technology XII. London: Kogan Page, pp. 350–358.
Brew, A. and McCormick, R. (1979). “Student learning and an independent study course,” Higher Education 8(4): 429–441.
Brew, A., McCormick, R. and Zorkoczy, P. (1978). The Use of an Open University Course in a British University. Report to the Social Science Research Council.
Bridge, W. (1976). “Self-study courses in undergraduate science teaching: the report of a survey,” Higher Education 5: 211–224.
Fowler, G. G. (1978). “Conclusion; present trends and future policies,” in Stephens, M. D. and Roderick, G. W. (eds.), Higher Education Alternatives. London: Longman, pp. 156–169.
Gallagher, M. (1977). Broadcasting and the Open University Student. I.E.T.: The Open University.
Gross, N., Giaquinta, J. B. and Bernstein, M. (1971). Implementing Organisational Innovations. New York: Harper and Row.
Hooper, R. (1977). “The dissemination and assimilation of educational innovation,” in Hills, P. and Gilbert, J. (eds.), Aspects of Educational Technology XI. London: Kogan Page, pp. 23–30.
Moss, G. D. (1979). “The influence of Open University distance teaching in higher education,” Teaching at a Distance 14: 14–18.
Perry, W. (1976) Open University. Open University Press.
Roach, D. K. and Hammond, R. (1976). “Zoology by self-instruction,” Studies in Higher Education 1(2): 179–197.
Venables, P. (1976). Report of the Committee on Continuing Education. Open University Press.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Moss, G.D., Brew, A. The contribution of the Open University to innovation in higher education. High Educ 10, 141–151 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00129128
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00129128