Introduction

Clearly, women have surfaced in the world of distance education in growing numbers.  Changing times and ideologies have both enabled and propelled this, and women are embracing it.  Nonetheless, the journey has not been, and is not, an easy one.  To better understand the journey, issues of learning design and support systems must be reviewed and analysed.  Beyond merely presenting students with well-designed learning materials, successful teaching involves a variety of strategies and pedagogical techniques to engage, motivate, and energize learners. Learning design offers opportunities for increasing the quality of learning and teaching in an online learning context. In consciously thinking about the unique needs of women, instructors can design and structure activities that provide guidance and support to women learners.

In this presentation, we examine the issues involved in learning design and support for women learners. Adult Learning in an Online Community provides a necessary glimpse into the tribulations and experiences of adults obtaining a higher education.  This foundation naturally leads to an assessment of The Differences Between Male and Female Learners.  Acknowledging such differences is pertinent before truly developing an understanding of The Needs and Barriers for Women in DE.   Lastly, this review enables us to move into relevant issues regarding Technologies and Cyberspace.  Combined, consideration of these areas will perhaps allow for enlightenment on issues surrounding women in distance education and how effective learning design and adequate support systems can better their learning experiences.