Distance Learning at a Glance

 

By: Leroy A. Binns Ph.D.

Subscribing to principles associated with aged tutorial models of Oxford and other leading European universities, educators throughout the United States during the last 3 decades have adopted the application of distance learning as an alternative to traditional instruction.

Distance learning which is oftentimes referred to as an unparalleled opportunity to share information with students particularly established professionals who would otherwise face academic deprivation may also be characterized by the attractions listed below. The pursuit enables

A rolling admissions policy

Students to learn where ever it is convenient

Students to learn at their own pace

Students to access a large pool of peers to advance the learning process

Students to gain technological skills throughout the duration of their study

Materials in most disciplines and certifications (e.g., certificates, diplomas and degrees) to be specifically prepared for home study

The hiring of tutors who are highly specialized in their respective fields. Many are usually employed by traditional institutions and/or reputable business establishments.

Cost effective programs

The necessity for advanced education in an ever growing competitive world leads the charge for systems for distance learning. According to David W. Stewart, director of program development for the Center of Adult and Educational Credentials at the American Council on Education (ACE), “The fact is that most people in this world need further education in order to survive. For those people traditional programs do not work. Therefore we will see the expansion of these programs.”

Proliferation of information technology has added a new dimension to distance learning which was once defined by various print formats including texts, study guides and work books and correspondence via mail and telephone. Learners are now engaged through voice (e.g., audio conferencing and short wave radios), video (e.g., film, video tapes and one or two way video with two way audio) and electronic data (e.g., computer assisted and managed instruction and computer mediated education). In addition the success of this phenomenon should equally be attributed to the many participants involved. Apart from the students whose predecessors are active at all levels of industry and academe the operation includes technical teams of facilitators, support staffs and administrators.

Although the mode of instruction at times is criticized by detractors who compare it to learning at non accredited entities, records indicate its utilization by recognized national institutions such as Harvard, Rutgers, Penn State and Indiana State universities to name a few. In fact according to Black Issues in Higher Education, “There are over 100 external degree programs which are approved by the US Department of Education or the Commission on Recognition for Postsecondary Education (CORPE) some of which embrace innovative cohort delivery systems incorporating a brief on campus residency."

Universities without walls or open universities as they are sometimes called share the same objectives as their traditional counterparts but were not designed for most young adults who are lacking the element of maturity and independence to excel within such an unfamiliar environment. Therefore institutions such as Norwich University, Goddard College, Saybrook Institute and The Union Institute seek seasoned adult learners and are comprised of student bodies with an average age ranging from 27 to 40 years.

In the words of Dr Franklin Smith, a graduate of Nova Southeastern University’s external doctoral program in education and former superintendent of the District of Columbia Public Schools, “I had a family with three kids and I could not afford to take a year off from my job then try to find another later.” Smith also attested to relevance by saying, “One of the strengths of the program was that it dealt with issues from a national perspective. It really helped me become cognizant of the issues that were happening outside the little world I was in. It helped me establish a network of peers around the country who are doing things that are innovative.”

With proven results, a growing demand for cost efficient education and ongoing technological advances distance learning is poised for a bright future.