Report on a Study of Access to Higher Education through Distance Education (Austin, Texas, August 7, 2000).

Overview & Synopsis

Texas' new higher education plan sets goals of enrolling 500,000 more students in higher education and increasing the number of certificates and degrees awarded by 50%, by 2015. Distance learning technology, which is already opening doorways to higher education, is poised to play an even larger role in helping Texas reach these goals. The Texas Legislature in 1999 directed the Coordinating Board to study the effects of and accessibility to distance education for under-represented groups in Texas. A symposium was convened of 42 distance education and technology experts representing all levels of education, business, community groups, all areas of the state, and its major population groups to provide information on the effects of and accessibility to distance education for under-represented groups in Texas. Discussion of barriers to distance education for all Texans focused on supply and demand. On the supply side, participants noted the high cost of technology, inefficiencies resulting from the independent actions of institutions producing distance education courses, and the lack of incentives for faculty to produce and provide distance education courses. On the demand side, participants noted that many Texans lack: access to computers and the Internet, knowledge about computers and technology, and motivation due to perceived or real feelings that the system is non-responsive. Participants noted many positive steps institutions were taking to develop their distance learning capabilities. They reported more distance learning courses and labs, more strategic planning in developing distance education programs, and more partnerships with public education, business and the community. Barriers discussed in the symposium are surmountable, participants said. They noted that public higher education institutions in Texas, in partnership with others, are having success in opening access to higher education through distance education, although more can be done. List of participants is appended. (AEF)