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It should be clear from this discussion that the author regards the most promising technique for a new distance learning institution to be that based on highly interactive technology, including multimedia capabilities. We can then combine the ability to have all kinds of media available for the student, with allowing a high level of individual attention to student needs, and allowing an interactive motivating learning environment. And we can do this at development and delivery costs no greater than that of other high quality distance learning institutions, and at less of the cost of traditional universities. Financial considerations combined with a much better learning environment show the strong advantages of such a distance learning institution.
There are no major distance learning institutions at present that rely primarily on interactive technology, except for the few that have worked entirely on a networking basis. Hence we would not be in a highly competitive situation, competing with existing institutions, as we would with the creation of video based distance learning. But the promise of such an approach to distance learning seems great, even without existing examples.
Because we need an empirical basis for an ''interactive'' university, an initial experiment is desirable. This would involve the creation and careful summative evaluation of a group of courses, covering different areas and levels. This experiment is briefly described in the next section.