There is no doubt that the Internet has made a profound effect on everyone's lives. It has also begun to liberate education from the confines of traditional time and space. The first incarnation of what everyone think of as K-12 virtual school appears to have been launched in the summer of 1995, with the CyberSchool Project in Eugene, Oregon.…

This study tries to assess the roles of the Open and Distance learning subject specialists in the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Open University (PUP OU) in promoting self-directed and independent learning as perceived by themselves. Results of analysis showed that PUP OU subject specialists were also active teachers with an accredited…

The materials contained in this document are intended for use in a training session for adult educators. The document is designed with the following objectives in mind: inspire adult educators to increase their knowledge of critical thinking in distance education, stimulate participants to foster critical thinking in adult learners, and provide…

Distance education may be considered in two ways: (1) as a substitute for conventional, face-to-face education; and (2) as a mode of education in its own right. Those who view distance education the first way treat students as members of a class and include a fixed schedule of classes, assignments, and course duration. Those viewing distance…

A review examined briefly the past, present, and the probable future of independent study in the United States. The review considered the historical position of correspondence study, the factors that support the concept of independent study, and the trends now favoring distance education as a broader and more viable construct. It focused on the…

Although computers are used for administrative purposes and for grading in correspondence course programs throughout the United States, there has been little application to date of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in these programs. A survey was sent to 899 former students in Indiana University's high school independent study program to…

This paper presents two decisive factors for Web-based training (WBT) software in the context of E-education. The report focuses on offline education, as real time communication (except chats) is not yet sufficiently reliable due to low bandwidth Internet access in most European rural areas. One of the main advantages of WBT software is being able…

Since its inception in India in 1962, distance education has grown in popularity. The Distance Education Council (DEC) directs distance learning within India's higher education system. The DEC's promotion, coordination, and maintenance of standards for distance education are its three major roles. Its initiatives include grants, support for…

Discusses using individualized distance learning classes via the Internet to meet the needs of gifted children in elementary and middle schools. Addresses the proven effectiveness of Internet instruction and the need for professional educators to develop courses in collaboration with exceptional programmers. (CR)

Examines ways to use effectively the technology involved in teaching and learning online as they pertain to training child caregivers. Provides guidelines for early childhood administrators to prepare themselves to teach an online or web-enhanced course or training program. Identifies challenges and barriers confronting online learners. Lists…

Distance learning, via correspondence study, is offered by nearly 30 universities in India. An in-depth study of such programs operated by six universities indicates that the programs and open university systems complement the formal higher education system and allow adult education students to learn at their own paces. (TJH)

Explains China's higher distance education system and structure from an organizational and an administrative perspective, focusing on four major areas: higher correspondence education, radio and television universities education, satellite television teacher training, and state-administered examinations for independent study. (LRW)

The use of Learner Centered Psychological Principles in instruction and training emphasizes self-motivated, self-directed, and interactive learning. Topics include traditional versus learner-centered instructional approaches, the Learner-Centered Psychological Principles, the challenge of designing learner-centered instruction, and…

Distance education is not a new concept; it first appeared in the 19th century in the United States and Europe as correspondence courses. Despite the wide publicity and apparent demand for current technology-driven, Internet-based distance education, it has limitations. Higher education should be aware of these and use it appropriately. (MSE)

Argues that homework, correspondence courses, and independent study were early forms of distance learning, and that emerging technologies have simply advanced the field to the development of synchronous, interactive communication and instructional systems. Maintains that it is unlikely that distance learning at the college level will totally…