Distance Education in the Canadian North: An Annotated Bibliography. Occasional Publication No. 12.

Overview & Synopsis

An annotated bibliography on distance education in the Canadian North is presented, covering approximately 120 publications from 1973-1983. Distance education is defined as involving: separation of teacher and learner; influence of an educational organization, which distinguishes it from private study; use of technical media; provision of two-way communication to provide feedback; and some group meetings. The Canadian north includes those areas north of 60 degrees, as well as isolated northern parts of the provinces bordering the Yukon and the Northwest Territories. In addition to a literature search, information on distance education was obtained through a survey of approximately 80 educators. Based on the materials identified through the survey, abstracts and the bibliography were developed. The materials cover distance education offerings and research on distance education, with emphasis on studies that include evaluations. A brief overview of distance education is presented. It is noted that distance education in the Canadian north is a comparatively recent development that is concerned with primary, secondary, and postsecondary education, individual university courses and degrees, and technical, vocational, and management training. Successes and failures of distance education are identified. (SW)