"Distance Education for Newbies".

Overview & Synopsis

This paper discusses the effectiveness of distance education at Morehead State University. Distance education, which operates via fiber optic telecommunications, has been delivered to as many as 18 sites. Twenty-three faculty and 622 students have participated in this program. The technologies used to present information include full motion video and audio, voice-activated or push-to-talk microphone, and a touch-controlled computer panel. A site facilitator and instructor control the delivery of course content. Internet-based courses are also offered via an Internet classroom assistant called Course Info. Challenges faced by this method of teaching include sending e-mail attachments, reading files, and using the Internet effectively. The paper concludes that the advantages of distance learning overall outweigh the disadvantages. (CCM)