Distance Learning: Silver Bullet or Educational Apartheid?

Overview & Synopsis

This paper discusses why distance education is not the cure all that political leaders hope it will be, and outlines some of the reasons why distance education sometimes results in education that is separate and unequal. It identifies some of the major categories of distance education: correspondence courses, one-way televised courses (broadcast, satellite or cable), one-way pre-packaged and professional produced televised courses (broadcast, satellite, cable, or videocassette), two-way interactive televised courses (compressed video, cable or satellite), and Internet or Web-based courses. The growth of distance education is briefly discussed. The potential and the dangers of distance education for the Appalachian region are discussed, based on the author's own experiences at a community college in Kentucky. Advantages and disadvantages of distance education are highlighted. Five problems are identified and discussed: (1) technical access in Appalachia; (2) student preparation/personal resources; (3) limited program options; (4) course content and tacit knowledge; and (5) standardization and the commodification education. (AEF)