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Online Learning News and Research
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Monday, February 18, 2002
http://www.distance-educator.com/dn/dnews.php4?action=detail&id=6289 Effectiveness of Distance Education as a Means for Graduate Education - a Study of Two Student Group Fred R. McFarlane, Ph. D., Annemiek Baars, Boukje Stevens, and Michelle Warn, M.A. The emerging use of distance technologies expands opportunities for adult learners to acquire academic credentials and continue their own professional development. The technological capacity exists to deliver skill training via distance education. The burgeoning growth of the Internet and the advances in various technologies such as videoconferencing, streaming audio and video and other variations in the delivery of educational experiences has opened numerous possibilities for adult learners. The technology exists to meet the educational needs of adult learners. The question is can we replicate the human interaction, support, and consultation that are available in traditional university campuses. Even more basic, how critical do the learners value these elements of traditional on-campus education. There is an extensive demand to expand the educational options for persons who wish to pursue academic degrees at the undergraduate and graduate level. This demand is especially true for persons who live in communities where there is no access to traditional four-year institutions of higher education or the specific degree and/or credential is not readily available. Numerous professions are requiring specialized academic credentials and require that employed persons return for formal degrees. Finally, numerous individuals live in remote communities who want to upgrade their academic credentials but are unable to leave their positions, their family and their community.... ed. note: Findings include that elements supporting access, interaction with faculty, and the engagement of the "distance education support staff" are of most importance.
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