Opinions/Future

Teacher/Administration Satisfaction
A question debated among academia is; are "cyber schools" an educational renaissance or an example of diminishing educational quality? The goal of distance education programs is to improve the production of professors without significantly diminishing the level of student satisfaction or quality of instruction. This is becoming a grave concern as the demand for education rises, forcing schools to do more with less. Many experts advocate such programs because it enables colleges to cut labor costs by increasing faculty productivity. Colleges favor the competitive edge they gain by making programs accessible to greater numbers of students in remote areas. Many politicians echo these potentialities, viewing public school expansion through "virtual universities", such as Western Governors, as a way to avoid the cost of expanding campuses.

The largest faculty union in the nation, The American Federation of Teachers oppose distance education "unless the program meets faculty members' standards of quality." They are also organizing to seek restrictions on the number of credits a student can receive through "cyber school" and oppose undergraduate programs taught entirely with technology. Experience, they say, tells them that "teaching and learning in shared human spaces like a campus is vital to the under grad experience." Some teachers argue that technology is a powerful tool when used responsibly, but for those instances where "face to face" meetings are possible, they are almost always better. The teachers are not "anti-technology" by any means, but imply that the "latest rage", fad or most convenient way is not always the best option. The union activists are skeptical and would like to see more independent research adhering to the effectiveness of such courses. (Blumenstyk, 1996, A20)

For more information on opinion regarding the issues surrounding distance education please refer to the following archived online forum, New Chalk Discussion Forum (http://instruct.unc.edu:6080/wcb.schools/5/3420/kthomas/new/11961/forums/forum1/wwwboard.html).

Student Satisfaction
A study was performed, by Lynnea McHenry and Mary Bozik, comparing traditional teaching and the video-conferencing technique to see how students fare. Twenty-eight students were taught in the traditional manner, while twelve were exposed to virtual education. The results showed that there were very few differences in reactions or knowledge. The comments were generally positive although the traditionally taught students did mention that the instructor utilized time effectively for different tasks.

Observations from the remote site of an interactive video classroom consisting of rural-based adult learners returning to school at an Iowa Community College reveal six main concerns or themes. Most students were excited about the ease and convenience of taking a class nearby. They would not have been able to take the class had it been on the main campus. Some expressed the view that the technology was too impersonal and the confusion of talking to someone over a microphone where there is a 3 second delay is annoying, but understood that that were in uncharted territory and were generally enthusiastic. "Availability of technicians and adequate teacher training is essential to future success." (Bozik, 1997, p.23) The time issue was a main concern, such as the lack of library sources and unorganized transfer of paperwork. The non-traditional students express different goals than the typically "younger" students, such as stronger motivation and more focus, and were frustrated by the non-serious actions of the traditional students. Many students are uncomfortable using the microphones due to shyness, inconvenience, or for fear of interrupting someone else. There is also very little classroom community making it difficult to encourage and receive interaction.

Distance learning has created the capacity to deliver education - anywhere and at any time. Many students who champion distance learning say that it has removed the need for transportation or long commutes. Earning a degree has become convenient. But what does this degree mean? What does it give you? How can you be sure of its credibility? And how sure will employers be when they look at your "online" degree? (These important issues are all addressed in other links.)

For more information on student reactions to distance education please refer to the following website, The Institute for Distance Education University system of Maryland (http://www.umc.edu/ide/stdnts.html).

The future of education
Distance education is a continually evolving institution. As it becomes a more utilized and wide spread method for learning improvements, so too will great improvement. These improvements will enhance the current systems and improve the overall experience for the virtual students and educators.

Currently, improvements are being made in the delivery of courses. Distance educators are in need of training programs to better facilitate the delivery of a class through technical means. Methodology will be a key focus in these programs currently under development. Additionally, students are in need of some type of orientation process to help the transition into this new means of education. With teacher training and student orientation all participants will experience greater quality in the classroom.

Technology advancements will be another new wave for distance education. Technology may be utilized to the greatest advantage by tailoring equipment used to the course being taught. For example, in certain classes two-way video may greatly enhance the classroom experience. Another example would be a zooming option. This option could be utilized by science classes examining cells.

Communication will be the greatest change. The use of the student response unit will soon become more wide-spread. A student response unit allows students to answer multiple choice questions and receive immediate feedback from the instructor. They are not currently used frequently because of cost. However, with the number of remote students utilizing distance education is increasing, and the cost is decreasing. Voice mail is another means of communication to be utilized. This means will be utilized by students will clear cut and brief questions. This allows students not to be restricted by office hours. Electronic mail is another means, this also allows students not to be restricted by office hours. E-mail bulletin boards are also becoming more frequently used. This allows students to communicate with one another and the instructor by posting messages on a board that all class members can access.

The future appears to be bright for distance education. With the upcoming improvements in teacher training and student orientation the courses will be delivered and received with the greatest benefit for all participants. Technology enhancement will also allow for the improvements of quality courses. Additionally communication will be the final step to the new wave for distance education.