Introduction 1
Chapter 1：Overview of Distance Education 6
Global Practice of Distance Education 6
Major Theories of Distance Education 18
Conclusion 30
Chapter 2：Establishment of China's RTVUs and the OUUK 36
Country Profile 36
Background of Establishment 43
Mission 51
Conclusion 61
Chapter 3：Structure of China's RTVUs and the OUUK 73
Governmental Structure 73
Organizational Structure 82
Financial Structure 89
Conclusion 98
Chapter 4：Teaching in China's RTVUs and the OUUK 110
Program Development 110
Course Development 122
Course Presentation 133
Conclusion 143
Chapter 5：Learning in China's RTVUs and the OUUK 169
Learners 169
Learning 183
Learner Support 194
Conclusion 203
Chapter 6：Higher Education Tradition upon China's RTVUs and the OUUK 233
Ancient Form of Higher Education 233
Modern Higher Education 244
Adult Higher Education 260
Conclusion 272
Chapter 7：Nature of China's RTVUs and the OUUK 290
Idea of Higher Education 290
Role of Higher Education 300
Nature of China's RTVUs 314
Nature of the OUUK 319
Conclusion 325
Chapter 8：Tentative Thoughts on Theory and Practice 336
Reflections on Distance Education Theory 336
Reflections on Distance Education Practice 354
Conclusion 370
Index 380