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The following are some of the factual elements that describe the rapid growth of distance learning and its applications.
USDLA defines distance learning as the acquisition of knowledge and skills through mediated information and instruction. Distance learning encompasses all technologies and supports the pursuit of life long learning for all. Distance learning is used in all areas of education including Pre-K through grade 12, higher education, home school education, continuing education, corporate training, military and government training, and telemedicine.
Research studies have been quite consistent in finding that distance learning classrooms report similar effectiveness results as reported under traditional instruction methods. In addition, research studies often point out that student attitudes about distance learning are generally positive.
Providing courses and electronic field trips are among the principal applications for distance learning in Pre-K through grade 12 education. Distance learning is also used to support rural and inner city classes with student enrichment, student courses, 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, and over the Internet.
Faced with retraining 50 million American workers, corporate America is using distance learning, both internally and externally, for all aspects of training. Many major corporations 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 options both in technical configurations and content design. Educational materials are delivered primarily through live and interactive classes. The intent of these programs 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 are also effective.
Research on distance learning applications for Pre-K through grade 12, as well as in adult learning and training settings, strongly suggests that distance education is an effective means for delivering instruction.
Funding for both satellite and web-based distance education systems can be accomplished through various means: |
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Issuing bonds to cover construction costs |
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Legislation to install satellite dishes and other technology packages at schools and community buildings |
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State, national and Federal grant programs |
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Various other options including taxes and levies Distance learning provides equity of access to information and opportunities and can dramatically decrease the costs and inconveniences associated with maintaining a well-trained work force. |
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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 for distance learning include the application of information and educational resources for Pre-K through grade 12 students, adults, senior citizens, local governments, organizations and businesses. |
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| Learning Resources |
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Distance Learning Sites
For additional information and guidance on the topic of distance learning the following sources may be useful. |
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Polycom’s Videoconference Program Database
Polycom’s Video Conference Program Database contains content from over 1,500 providers such as zoos and museums offering ISDN or IP based video conferencing. This easily searchable database was developed by BCISD and brings Polycom’s education customers value-add programs for the classroom.
For more information and to access the program database please visit:
Videoconference Program Database:
http://www.polycom.com/solutions/1,,pw-12492,FF.html
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Distance Learning Sites of Interest:
National Education Technology Plan
Susan D. Patrick
Director Office of Educational Technology
U.S. Department of Education
Download Presentation [ppt]
www.ed.gov
www.ed.gov/Technology
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EMERGING TRENDS IN POST SECONDARY EDUCATION - THE VIEW TO 2012
Recently, Dr. John G. Flores, Executive Director of USDLA, participated in The Education Industry Finance and Investment Summit "Driving Post-Secondary Education" conference. ThinkEquity Partners, Michael T. Moe, CFA and Chief Executive Officer, presented a broad overview of historical and emerging trends in the post-secondary education market. ThinkEquity Partners has granted permission to USDLA to reprint the presentation.
Click here to download |
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WASHINGTON DC – Congress has authorized a major new research center, the National Center for Research in Advanced Information and Digital Technologies, that will bring the same focused, sustained research funding to technology and learning that the federal government has funded for years in technology for health care at the National Institutes of Health and technology for energy at the Department of Energy.
More Info: http://www.fas.org/press/news/2008/aug_nationalcenter.html
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| Pre K-12 |
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| Telemedicine |
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| Grants & Funding |
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| Disabilities Resources |
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| Educational Technology |
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| Other Distance Learning Resources |
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Resource Guide to Educational Statistics
The education system in the United States is part of the country’s backbone and an essential part of the country’s future. Without a sound education system, the United States cannot hope to keep up with countries like Japan, who has one of the most respected school systems in the entire world, and the students that come from these schools are some of the best in their fields. In the United States, the education record is much spottier. Children born to families below the poverty level are far less likely to even finish high school let alone go on to attend and complete college. Without a college education, these students then follow in their parents’ footsteps, where they live below or just above the poverty level and have children of their own, creating a vicious cycle. These children are victims of circumstance more than anything but the fact remains that the US education system is in need of an overhaul if the country is ever going to be able to compete with other country’s school systems. Here’s a list of links about educational statistics showcasing how long kids attend school, how well they do in those grades, even where to get tuition help, and information about poverty levels.
- National Center For Education Statistics: Official organization that compiles statistics on the subject.
- Household Surveys: Information about households and their education levels.
- Data & Statistics: Another organization that gathers statistics and data about the education system.
- California Statistics: Statistics related to the California state education system.
- Journal of Education and Behavioral Statistics: A journal that compiled statistics from multiple areas.
- Virginia Education Statistics: Educational statistics from the state of Virginia.
- Teacher Statistics: Statistics about teachers in the world.
- Educational Statistics and Evaluation: Discusses and evaluates statistics.
- 15-Year Census: A census of the education system where data was gathered over a 15-year period.
- Higher Education Statistical Data: Data about college attendance.
- National and International Statistics: Shows national and international statistics.
- Department of Education: Statistics about various things from the department of education.
- 2009 Statistics: Statistics about the education system in 2009.
- Statistics Archive: Archive of various statistics dating back at least 5 years.
- Enrollment Statistics: Information about how many people attend school and college, etc.
- Duke Library Documents: Archive with links to articles about statistics.
- Worldwide Education Statistics: Looks at education statistics from around the world.
- International Education Statistics: More statistics relating to international education.
- Statistics for Distance Education: Discusses about statistics information.
- Poverty Census: Census about children born below the poverty level in the U.S.
- Poverty Level Information: Data about how many families are living below poverty level.
- National Poverty Center: Official place to get the latest statistics and data about kids and the poverty level.
- Tuition Management: Provides information on college tuition and managing loans.
- FinAid: Some information about the types of financial aid available.
- Tuition Aid Grant: Information about special grants.
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