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What is DL?
Broadly defined, Distance Learning ("DL") or Distance
Education ("DE") is any system by which individuals
learn from a distance. DL permits individuals to learn, obtain
credits and even earn degrees, from their home or other convenient
location. DL makes use of mail correspondence, audio and videocassettes,
radio, television, computer software, modems & computer
bulletin board systems, and more recently the Internet.
At its most basic level, distance education takes place
when a teacher and student(s) are separated by physical
distance, and technology (i.e., voice, video, data, and
print) often in concert with face-to-face communication,
is used to bridge the instructional gap. These types of
programs can provide adults with a second chance at a college
education, reach those disadvantaged by limited time, distance
or physical disability, and update the knowledge base of
workers at their places of employment. (Willis, 1997)
The United States Distance
Learning Association defines distance learning as the
acquisition of knowledge and skills through mediated information
and instruction, encompassing all technologies and other
forms of learning at a distance. Distance learning is the
application of technology of electronic means to education
in all areas: K through 12, Higher Education, Continuing
Education, Corporate Training, and Military and Government
Training, telemedicine and those devoted to the pursuit
of life long learning.
(United States Distance Learning Association, 1996)
The delivery of distance education systems is essentially
divided into two categories: synchronous and asynchronous.
Synchronous delivery requires the simultaneous participation
of all students and instructors, and thus requires the use
of newly developed technologies. It offers the advantage of
real-time interaction through mediums like interactive television
and computer teleconferencing.
Asynchronous delivery does not require all students and instructors
to participate simultaneously. It does not require the use
of the latest technology and its delivery method can be as
archaic as mail correspondence courses. However, it offers
the greatest flexibility for students and instructors with
regard to location, scheduling and time allocations. The use
of newly developed technologies and the Internet have broadened
the viability and appeal of asynchronous delivery.
Telecommunications technologies that can integrate sound,
motion, image, and text create a rich new learning environment
awash with possibility and a clear potential to increase
student involvement in the learning process.
(Task Force on Distance Education, 1992)
A study of 1,500 higher education U.S. institutions, conducted
by National Center for Education
Statistics ("NCES"), determined that these institutions
were using the following DL technologies and delivery methods:
Distance education courses were delivered by two-way interactive
video at 57 percent and by one-way prerecorded video at
52 percent of the institutions offering distance education
courses in fall 1995. About a quarter of the institutions
used two-way audio with one-way video and a quarter used
computer-based technologies other than two-way online interactions
during instruction (e.g., the Internet) to deliver their
distance education courses. Institutions that offered distance
education courses in fall 1995 frequently directed courses
to students' homes (49 percent), other branches of their
institution (39 percent), and other college campuses (35
percent). About a quarter of the institutions directed distance
education courses to elementary/secondary schools, and 18
percent directed courses to work sites. (National Center
for Education Statistics, 1997: 43)
Table 1. from "Distance Education in Higher Education
Institutions".
(National Center for Education Statistics, 1997: 11)
However, of greater significance, is the fact that when these
same institutions were asked what distance learning technologies
they were pursuing in the next 3 years (i.e., 1996-1998),
79% indicated other computer based technologies (including
the Internet) and 71% indicated two-way online (computer-based)
interactions during instruction. The only other medium with
as high a response rate was two way interactive video, which
garnered a response of 79%. Clearly, computer-based delivery
of DL courses is the future medium of choice.
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