Distance Learning: The Application of Computers and Communication to Education Bill D. Carroll, Ph.D., P.E. Professor and Chairperson Computer Science.

Distance Learning:The Application of Computers and

Communication to Education

Bill D. Carroll, Ph.D., P.E.Professor and Chairperson

Computer Science and Engineering Department

The University of Texas at Arlington

Arlington, TX 76019-0015

email: [email protected]

Abstract

The need for access to educational material, courses, and programs anytime andanywhere has led to the concept of distance learning or distance education. While thedelivery of education at distance is not new, recent advances in computer andcommunications technologies have opened up new opportunities and created newexpectations for both recipients and providers. In particular, the internet and the World-Wide-Web promise to revolutionize the educational delivery system and to change theconcept of distance learning.

The paper begins with a definition and brief historical perspective of distancelearning as a means to set the stage for discussing what the future may hold. Variousmodels of distance delivery are described and discussed in terms of their advantagesand disadvantages. The economic and social aspects of distance learning are exploredin the context of potential benefits and risks. Also, the paper addresses opportunitiesand pitfalls that distance learning offers for learners and for providers. Finally, thepaper offers a glimpse at the potential impact that the internet will have on the globaleducational delivery system.

Outline

Need Definitions History Delivery models Opportunities Barriers Internet and the World-Wide-Web Economic and social issues Case Studies

The need

Any time, any place Convenience Asynchronous access Remote locations

Definitions -- 1

Distance learning -- student and teacher separated in place and/or time

Asynchronous learning -- educational material may be accessed at the student’s convenience

Distance education -- the delivery of a complete course or program at distance

Multimedia courseware -- course material containing a variety of media types, e.g., text, audio, graphics, video, animation

Definitions -- 2

Distance learner -- the student receiving educational material at distance

Distance teacher -- the person primarily responsible for developing and delivering the educational material

Mentor -- a person responsible for assisting the distance learner

Competency-based education -- assessment of knowledge learned versus the accumulation of credits

Definitions -- 3

Content provider -- the institution that “owns” the course

Course broker -- the institution that “offers” the course

Educational infrastructure provider -- the institution that provides the services to develop and/or delivery courses at distance

Historical perspective

Correspondence courses (1940’s to present) Remote classroom facilities (1960’s to present) Closed-circuit television networks (1960’s to

present) Video tape delivery (1980’s to present) Satellite television (1980’s to present) Video conferencing (1990’s) Internet delivery (1990’s)

The providers

Traditional universities Not for profit institutions, e.g.

– National Technological University (NTU)– Western Governors’ University (WGU)– Open University

For profit institutions, e.g.– University of Phoenix

Types of programs delivered

Continuing education Specialized training courses Graduate courses and programs Undergraduate courses

Delivery Models

Synchronous Asynchronous

Opportunities

Increase access to education around the world

Improve the quality of learning Expand the educational marketplace Partnerships

Internet and the World-Wide-Web

One-third of all college courses make use of E-mail One-quarter draw on resources of the internet One-eighth make use of multimedia applications

Barriers -- 1

Costs– Development– Delivery

Higher education funding models Faculty and staff training Existing policies and regulations Security Intellectual property issues Access to resources

– Library– Computers

Barriers -- 2

Quality control– Market forces– Accreditation

Student assessment – Delivery of examinations– Assignments– Projects

Pedagogy Need for open, non proprietary standards

Social Issues

Absence of peer groups Student support services Absence of campus life

Engineering programs

Laboratories Projects Homework Mentoring

National Technological University

Private, not for profit Satellite and video tape delivery Master’s degree programs in a variety of

engineering disciplines Non-credit short courses Special programs Faculty drawn from participating universities

Western Governors’ University

Mission -- to promote competency-based degrees through high quality distance education

Eighteen states in the western US Faculty

– No teaching faculty

– Mentor/advisor faculty Private, not for profit Degree granting Program and course broker Developing engineering offerings from Utah State University Recently entered into an agreement with the Open University of

the UK

Open University

Britain’s largest teaching institution Correspondence based Extensive tutoring and support network Courses in engineering and computing

– Undergraduate– Graduate

University of Phoenix

Private, for profit Programs offered at campuses and learning centers in

twelve states and Puerto Rico, online, and via the Center for Distance Education

Current degree programs offered at distance– BS in Business in several specialties– BS in Nursing– MA in Education– MA in Organizational Management– MBA– MS in Nursing

Stanford Online (www.stanford.edu)

School of Engineering/Stanford Center for Professional Development

Online courses delivered using streaming video technology from Microsoft’s NetShow

Online courses may be viewed live or within 2 to 3 hours of delivery

Online MSEE with emphasis in telecommunications Admission and completion requirements the same for on-

campus and distance students Now also delivers courses from the School of Earth

Sciences and School of Medicine

The University of Texas at Arlington

Center for Distance Education– Delivering network-based classes in political science

and geology

Engineering Center for Distance Learning– Closed-circuit television– Videotape– Internet streaming video

Nursing Television– Videotape to four outreach centers– Can earn a BS in Nursing degree (325 earned)

UTA Engineering Center for Distance Learning

Internet-based courses– Streaming video of lectures using Real NetWare technology– Supporting materials provided via instructor web pages

Fall 1998 course offerings– AE 5303 -- Aerodynamics of Wings and Bodies– CSE 5311 -- Design and Analysis of Algorithms– CSE 5324 -- Software Engineering I– EE 5366 -- Communication Satellite Systems– ME 5310 -- Finite Elements– ME 5331 -- Analytic Methods in Engineering– PHYS 1443 -- General Technical Physics

Conclusions

Problems to overcome– Technical– Pedagogical– Administrative– Political– Social

Demand Benefits