Economics for distance learners and the promise of new communications technologies

This paper describes the difficulties encountered in teaching a unit in managerial economics to undergraduates, especially those studying in the distance mode. The particular problems faced by distance students are examined, and teaching innovations designed to overcome these problems are described. In addition, a research project undertaken to determine students' perceptions about the unit and their work patterns is discussed in detail, and the wider applications of the findings, particularly to the teaching of economics, considered. The paper concludes by describing the opportunities offered by the Internet for improving the position of external students vis-a-vis those studying the unit on campus.