DEFT: Introduction to Distance Education

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What is "Distance Education"?
Integrating various technologies, instead of relying on just one delivery system, is characteristic of a distance education framework. Many definitions of "distance education" exist; however, all have the following components:

Teacher and student(s).
Separation by time and/or space (geographic distance).
Communication mediated by technology.

What distance education really means is that instruction can be moved to the people, rather than moving the people to the instruction.

Find out how Dr. Marshall Breeze defines the major benefits to students of having a degree available through distance education.
Watch Video (1 min. 17sec.)

And a word to the wise before you get started: Don't do this all by yourself. Help is available as you develop your distance education course. Instructional designers and educational technologists can assist you as you develop your goals, all the way through to determining the right technology. For an idea of who makes up the distance education "team," check the section Faculty Support Production Team

As has been noted, don't do it all yourself. These instructors emphasize the need for outside help.

Dr. Rick Rudd recommends getting help upfront.
Watch Video (29sec.)

Dr. Elaine Turner recommends talking to people and trying new teaching strategies.
Watch Video (1 min. 8sec.)

or continue and submit your ideas to the web database.

Identify one course that you are considering teaching via distance education.

Write a brief description of the course in the space below.

What would be the advantages and disadvantages you see in adapting the course for distance education dissemination? Make a list.

Advantages Disadvantages

How would you overcome the disadvantages?

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Learn about "Proposing a Distance Education Course"