The Continuing Professional Education Interactive Satellite Interface.

Overview & Synopsis

Continuing professional education activities offered off-campus by satellite by the University of Victoria, British Columbia, are discussed. One- to three-day workshops and off-campus degree programs are offered throughout the province by the university. Both increased demand and economic factors have encouraged the use of distance education delivery methods. Since 1978 the university has provided live interactive satellite programming, most of which has been credit courses, along with some professional development activities and community education programs. Credit course offerings have been a major component of part-time degree programs in nursing, public administration, and education. Child care and social work programs have used other distance delivery systems. Advantages and problems associated with public access delivery systems for continuing professional education are identified, along with trends in continuing professional education. Enrollment in credit courses has continued to increase and the demand for courses is starting to exceed the satellite time available. As a result, delivery options are being enlarged. (SW)