Perspectives of Research on Distance Education.

Overview & Synopsis

The history of research on distance education was studied. Major research done on distance education in such diverse areas as the United States, Venezuela, and Europe was analyzed. It was discovered that the earliest attempts to develop theories of distance education were mainly concerned with identifying its very concept. Like most educational research, studies of distance education were, from the outset, based both on intellectual inquisitiveness and practical requirements. During the 1970s and 1980s (when distance education research seems to have come of age), most research emanated from distance education organizations. Many studies were carried out in the planning stage in anticipation of the needs of new distance teaching organizations. Statistical studies seemed to dominate for a long time. Inductive methods were often used. An articulated discipline of research on distance education should include attention to the following areas: the philosophy and theory of distance education, the characteristics and attitudes of distance students, subject-matter presentation, interaction between students and supporting organizations, administration and organization, economics, systems, and history. (MN)