Occasional Papers in Open and Distance Learning, Number 20

Five papers examine the adoption of resource based learning at Charles Sturt University (Australia). "Literature Searches and Distance Education: Whose Problem?" (Stephen Parnell) discusses the question of who should accept responsibility for the intellectual content of literature searches; the library is at the center of a resource based learning environment, and a fundamental role with implications for teaching staff, librarians, and students, is how the acquisition of literature searching skills is best promoted. "The Information Needs of Australian Postgraduate Distance Learners: A Review of the Literature" (Peter Macauley) analyzes how growing numbers of postgraduate distance students at Australian universities meet their information needs, including their awareness of university library services, usage patterns, interlibrary loans, and their use of other local and university libraries. "The Attitudes of Lecturers and Students To Prerequisite Subjects" (Hailu Kidane, Douglas McMillan, Pamela Mathews, and Janet Smith) details a survey conducted by Charles Sturt University (CSU) staff which investigates the attitudes of lecturers and students to prerequisite subjects, concluding with recommendations of interest to those reviewing current policy and practices, especially in relation to the development of generic and analytical skills. The final two papers focus directly on resource based learning. "Anticipating Shifts in Teaching Practice" (Bruce Pennay) identifies trends in teaching and learning at CSU and suggests that academic staff should engage in the debate. "Resource Based Learning at CSU: Changing Roles in Learning and Teaching" (Stephen Relf) surveys past and contemporary understandings of resource based learning and concludes that while CSU's experience in distance education can contribute to future directions, its central issues are the decentering of the teacher, and student learning. (Author/SWC)