Distance education

1. Why distance education thrive?

1.1. 1. rapidly changing economic conditions : many peopel want to upgrade their skils

1.2. 2, Some people don't find traditional learning convenient

1.3. 3. modern technology

1.4. 4.Universities have budget crunches: they do not have as much money as before to invest on school facilities but still have more students

2. 6 things that students should be aware about distance learning

2.1. 1. Many distance programs has residency requirements

2.2. 2. Distance education courses have time limit

2.3. 3. Admission requirements of distance education = campus education

2.4. 4. Save money (travel)

2.5. 5. Require access to computer that meet mimum requirements ( speaker, modem, browser, Internet, .. . )

2.6. 6. Students need to be disciplined and independent

3. Suspicion about distance education

3.1. Many people suppose distance education is not as effective as traditional education

3.2. Well-founded suspicion: some uncrupulous universities advertise on Internet with allure website => students should check credential of schools befroe applying

4. Definition

4.1. Instruction occured when instructor & students are separated from time or distance or both

5. This kind of learning is not new

5.1. 1840, take courses by mail

5.2. 1892, offer catalog couress by mail

5.3. 1994, 93 distance programs available in US cand Canada

5.4. 1997, 700 programs

5.5. 2003, 1100 distance programs

6. How does distance education work at post-secondary level

6.1. Popular modes for distance learning

6.1.1. audio or video tape (Asynchronous learning )

6.1.2. video and audio conferencing (Synchronous learning)

6.1.3. Bullet&board: can log in anytime, read other studnet's comments and respond

6.1.4. Chat room: interact in real time synchronously

6.1.5. email: submit assignments, ask questions

6.1.6. CD- rom: download materials