Distant teacher. If traditional education teachers act as directors of learning - telling learners what, when, and how is it to be learned - distant teachers act as resource to the learners. As in traditional education where learners respond to the teachers, in Independent Learning and Teaching it is the teachers who respond to the learners. Teaching is seen as helping and the teacher as helper. They do not instruct students what to do; rather, they guide the learners in making independent decisions by opening their minds to various possibilities. Distinction between help and control are highlighted in the learner-teacher relationship. Their relationship shows that help vs. control trade-off is not necessary; a learner may receive help from the teacher without losing control or responsibility over the conduct of his or her own learning program.

Moreover, the teacher, in his or her learning materials, already anticipates problems and thinks of possible solutions early on. Learning materials must not be ambiguous, but meticulously crafted so that it can clearly communicate the teacher's aims and intentions. Note that interaction of the autonomous learner and distant teacher is...

In sum, the role of a teacher is both responsive and anticipatory.
Independent Learning and Teaching was proposed to be called the open education system and has been generally known as the open school. This will be managed by an open education board consisting of the members of the governing board of each of the main existing educational institutions, and members representing private education, libraries, business and industry, commercial broadcasting, labor and students. The open school aims to provide the type of service that the learner needs, and not the type that institutions would want to offer.

Independent Learning and Teaching still remains to be negatively evaluated by institutions and educators. It is generally regarded as a minor appendage to reckless schooling, and so is not encouraged. But the author believes otherwise. He sees potential in the system and hopes to see it rise. It is for this reason that he created this article, hoping that this serves as a contribution to the establishment of the open school.