What is Distance Education?
Distance education is instruction that occurs when the instructor and student are separated by distance or time, or both. A wide array of technologies are currently used to link the instructor and student. Courses are offered via videotape, broadcast television, ITFS (instructional television fixed service), microwave, satellite, interactive video, audio tapes, audioconferencing, CD-ROM, and, increasingly, computer networking including e-mail, the Internet, and its World Wide Web. Recent advances in telecommunication technologies have radically altered the world of education, greatly increasing the choices and opportunities for consumers. Today, there are about 5 million distance learners in the U.S. But if you are considering studying at a distance via technology, you must make informed decisions. Some programs and courses that are offered are simply money-making schemes. It is your responsibility as a consumer to educate yourself about distance education. You need to be able to tell
A. Moore & Kearsley define Distance Education as planned learning that normally occurs in a different place from teaching and as a result requires special techniques of course design, special instructional techniques, special methods of communication by electronic and other technology, as well as special organizational and administrative arrangements.” At CBU, we view Distance Education courses as unique learning opportunities that allow you to work toward your university degree or certificate program anytime, anywhere therefore allowing you to Live and Learn.
Distance education means that you don’t need to come to campus to take courses or to obtain a degree. You can study at home on your own time schedule, or attend courses located throughout Oregon at our regional centers. You can also take courses from other accredited colleges and universities and then transfer them to Eastern Oregon University (but be sure that they fit into your Eastern Oregon University degree plan and fulfill EOU’s requirements).
Distance programs are offered using a variety of methods to help you complete a degree according to your schedule, no matter where you live. You may work with printed material that you receive in the mail or with electronic material you receive via the Internet. Some courses include computer conferencing, audiotapes, videotapes, television, and radio programs. You will likely use the phone, e-mail, or regular mail to submit assignments and to get help from your tutor. Some programs are completely online, that is, available on the Internet. Others use a combination of these methods. Some courses have specific start dates; others may be started any month of the year.
Distance Education at NMSU is defined as the formal education process of delivering instruction so that students physically remote from the campus and/or instructor may participate. Course delivery may include face-to-face interaction and/or synchronous or asynchronous written, electronic, or other media forms.
