Distance Education Resource Guide. Computer-Based Distance Education in Community Colleges: A Joint Project.

Overview & Synopsis

This resource guide provides information on distance education options and offers a directory of programs at various institutions in the United States and Canada. Following a brief preface on the development of the guide, "New Models for Higher Education in Changing Times," by Don Doucette, discusses the nature of distance learning, the inevitability of this type of instructional delivery, the infrastructure provided by information technology, and changes required in the current model of higher education. Next, an introductory essay outlines the basics of distance education, explaining its role as an alternative to traditional classroom instruction and outlining the following forms of distance education: (1) print, including correspondence courses with textbooks, study guides, and assignments mailed to students; (2) audio, featuring radio, audiocassette, and telephone-based instruction; (3) video, including television, videocassette, and videodisc courses; and (4) computer-based approaches, featuring telecommunications, electronic mail, electronic conferencing, electronic bulletin boards, and telecommunications networks. Results of a survey of 1,000 community colleges are also included, indicating the top delivery media used and the most and least frequently offered courses. The bulk of the guide consists of a list of community college distance education programs by state or province. Each entry provides the college's name and address, the media used and disciplines taught in distance education, and the name of a contact person. Explanatory notes highlighting special features are included with some entries. (MAB)