Keller's Personalized System of Instruction: the search for a basic distance learning paradigm

This paper presents research results and arguments supporting the possibility of using Keller's Personalized System of Instruction as a basic paradigm for distance learning. A study connected with PSI at Athabasca University is reported and discussed. A list of advantages and disadvantages of PSI as a basic paradigm for distance learning is also presented and discussed. The report concludes by suggesting that a paradigm for distance learning would facilitate communication on distance learning activity and that PSI would provide a basic paradigm for distance learning while still allowing for educational variations within distance learning to occur and develop.