The Headquarters from which professors reach pupils all over the country and even abroad is located in Madrid. The pupils do not personally know the professor responsible for the design, development and evaluation of lessons in each subject or course, unless he or she participates, on rare occasion, in a learning experience or seminar held in a Local Center for the residents in that particular area. The relationships between students and professors are normally established by other means, rather than personally. In order to achieve a passing grade in scientific and technical subjects, students must also take laboratory courses that are made available through the Local Centers during the first few years and at Headquarters during the final years of study. Where the subject matter allows, course materials also include audio and video cassettes.
Software is also a complementary aid in some cases.
Educational messages and communication between students and professors at Headquarters flow through the various channels. Thus, while the post is still often used, it is rather a slow medium. In many University subjects videotext is also used as a communications bond between students and professors. Finally, the videoconference system, used for the first time in academic year 1993-94, is beginning to be implemented. All Headquarters faculty must devote some of their time to direct telephone contact with their students and tutors.