Survey of Distance Education Utilization in Information Systems Departments.

Overview & Synopsis

A survey was conducted of 205 information systems departments to determine information about existing distance education programs, plans for future distance education programs, faculty selection and training, and advantages and disadvantages of distance education. Of the questionnaires returned by 46 information systems departments, only 12 were actually using distance education in their programs; however, an additional 9 departments planned to use distance education within 2 years. Lack of funding, equipment, administrative support, and faculty support were given as reasons why 18 of the information systems departments did not see distance education as a viable learning program. The most popular media used for distance education were Internet or World Wide Web-based instruction and interactive television (ITV). The reporting information systems departments were offering about the same number of undergraduate and graduate courses via distance education. Half of distance education faculty received no additional remuneration of released time for distance education assignments. The most popular type of training was specialized on-campus workshops and personalized one-on-one training or mentoring. (Contains 23 references.) (Author/AEF)