Professor Alan Tait is one of the most famous experts in the field of international open and distance education. He was pro-vice-chancellor (academic) of the Open University, UK, from 2007 to 2012, was a member of the ICDE Executive Committee and editor-in-chief of the Journal of Learning for Development (sponsored by the Commonwealth of Learning), and has been a visiting professor at several universities in Europe.

His research interests include earner support,the organisation of learning centres， tutoring and consulting, and the management and training of tutors. His idea and models about learner support are cited by many researchers and used by many practitioners.

In September 2013, Prof. Alan Tait was hired by the OUC as senior consultant to the Engineering Research Centre for Technology Integration and Application of E-Learning, Ministry of Education.