At present, with new technologies emerging daily and the growing need for more flexibility in scheduling, there seems to be an overall drive towards the need for distance learning. According to research, 67% of colleges and universities agree that online education is a critical, long-term strategy for their institution. As a result, 49% of public colleges and universities and 34% of all higher education institutions offer complete online degree programs.
The fundamental premise of distance learning was to create and widen access to education and to improve its quality, using distance education techniques and associated technologies to meet the particular requirements of individuals who were unable to participate in the traditional classroom environment.
The purpose of this seminar is to explore three common misconceptions about distance learning, including: faculty preparation time, effective use of appropriate technology (as related to content and the diverse learning styles of students), and cost. Recognizing the various ways these factors impact distance learning courses/programs can help assist with making the distance learning environment just as successful as the traditional classroom environment.
