Distance Learning

DEFINITION:

                  Distance Education is instructional delivery that does not constrain the student to be physically  present in the same location as the instructor. Historically, Distance Education meant correspondence study. Today, audio, video, and computer technologies are more common delivery modes.
                 The term Distance Learning is often interchanged with Distance Education. However, this is inaccurate since institutions/instructors control educational delivery while the student is responsible for learning. In other words, Distance Learning is the result of Distance Education.
                  Another term that has experienced some recent popularity is Distributed Education. This term may represent the trend to utilize a mix of delivery modes for optimal instruction and learning.
                 The Distance Learning Resource Network (DLRN), located at WestEd, is the dissemination project for the U.S. Department of Education Star Schools Program.
 

 DISTANCE LEARNING FACT SHEET:

• Distance learning is the application of technology ofelectronic means to education in all areas: K through  12Higher Education, Continuing Education, Corporate Training, and Military and Government Trainitelemedicine and those devoted to the  pursuit of life long learning.
• Effectiveness studies have been quite consistent in showing that when used in business, military training, and adult learning, there is no significant difference in effectiveness between distance learning and traditional instruction methods, and student attitudes are generally positive about the experience
• Providing courses for underserved or advanced students is the principal application of distance learning for K-12 education. However, it is being used for rural and inner city classes, enrichment, staff development and in-service training for  teachers and administrators.
• In higher education, distance learning is providing undergraduate and advanced degrees to students in offices, at community colleges and at various receive sites. Students for whom convenience may be a crucial factor in receiving college credit are earning degrees by satellite, audio, or on-line computer.
•  Faced with retraining 50 million American workers,  corporate America is using distance learning for all aspects of training both internally and externally.
• Many major corporations such as Hewlett-Packard save millions of dollars each year using distance learning to train employees more effectively and more efficiently than with conventional methods.
• Programming for distance learning provides the  receiver many technical and content options.
• Educational materials are delivered primarily  through live and interactive classes where the intent  is not necessarily to replicate face-to-face  instruction. Interactivity is accomplished via telephone (one-way video and two-way audio), two-way video or graphics interactivity, two-way computer hookups, or response terminals.
• Technology offers many options for delivering and receiving education over a distance. The ability of the teacher and students to see each other may not be a necessary condition for effective distance learning, but audio can be a critical component for interactivity.
• Teaching strategies based on computer applications are emerging that also effective.
• Research in effectiveness is limited in K-12 applications, but existing research, project evaluation, and anecdotal evidence strongly suggest  that distance education is an effective means for delivering instruction just as it has been proven effective in adult learning and training settings.
• Paying for distance education systems can be done through issuing bonds to cover construction costs; legislation to install satellite dishes on every school  in the state; state, national and Federal grant programs for local projects; and various other taxes and levies.
• Telecommunications systems that serve education  can also benefit the community at large. In rural  areas especially, telecommunications systems and services are tied increasingly to economic development and community survival. New uses  include the application of information and educational resources for K-12 students, adults, senior citizens, local governments and organization, and business.                                             USDLA 2995 Taylor Ln., Suite 4, Byron CA 94514 (800)-275-5162