شبكة المعلومات العربية التربوية

The aim of this study is to show the unique characteristics of Alquds Open University and to analyze the effects of the following variables (sex, job, place of residence, education level, and area) through the responses of the students of the university in northern Palestine towards these characteristics. The total population of the male and female students of the Q.O.U in Northern Palestine is (15281) according to the statistics of the Admissions and Records Department for the year (2004-2005). The researcher selected a random stratified sample of (769) male and female students for this study. The descriptive method was used in the study and a questionnaire consisted of 64 items was designed to collect data. The questionnaire was distributed to 9 areas (The ability to overcome political, economic, educational and social crises, Flexibility in time and timing, Provide training, Quality of participating students, Methods of teaching, Ability to develop and renew). The consistency and validity of the study tool was verified and the questionnaire was distributed to the random stratified population sample. The data was analyzed by One Way-ANOVA, Balanced Means, Standard Deviation, Variance Analysis of Multi Repeated Measurement, (t) Test, and (LSD) Test. The study results showed that the highest mean was in the area of the quality of participating students and the methods of teaching used followed by the ability to overcome the political crises and the flexibility in terms of time and timing. The Lowest mean was the ability to overcome economic crises and also the ability to develop and renew. It was also clear from the results and responses that there are no significant differences in the mean of the responses of the students of the university in northern Palestine towards these characteristics due to the following variables (sex, job, place of residence, and area). The study suggested many recommendations among them were: 1) The need to identify methods of teachings that is compatible with the open university nature. These methods must be adopted among all academic supervisors. 2) The need to enhance the means of communications between the students and the university in a more effective way. 3) The university must adapt a policy of constant change to achieve continuous development and improvement. (Published abstract)