Distance Learning: The Educational Impact of an Evolving Technology. Restructuring Texas Teacher Education Series 5.

Overview & Synopsis

This report focuses on distance learning projects conducted by the Centers for Professional Development of Teachers (CPDTs) in Texas, examining projects that closely interface with CPDTs, emphasizing the trends and issues that have emerged, and noting the effect these projects have had on education in general. The report begins by describing the technology of distance learning. This section explains that distance learning has the potential to revolutionize the American education system by offering ready access to formerly inaccessible educational services, connecting people who can learn from one another, and increasing the use of technology and pedagogies that promote student-centered instruction. Barriers to distance learning include cost, lack of cooperation among institutions of learning, and the need for training. The CPDTs have played an important role in purchasing and installing systems, modeling teaching methods, and exploring policies and procedures that best undergird distance learning. This report presents brief profiles of some of the CPDT projects to illustrate the degree of technical experimentation that has occurred and the impact of distance learning at various Texas teacher education institutions. A glossary of terms is provided. (Contains 20 references.) (SM)