This document contains the constitution and bylaws of the Distance Education and Training Council. The constitution and bylaws include 13 articles. Sections include: Name; Mission and Goals; Administration of the Council; Membership; Meetings; The Commission; Terms of Office; Officers; Committees; Compensation; Dues and Assessments; Miscellaneous…

Millions of Americans are currently enrolled in distance learning institutions. The flexible study schedules, independent learning, and self-paced courses are attracting more students than ever. Those interested in enrolling in a distance education school, probably have a lot of questions. Choosing the right school is an important decision, and…

Recently published surveys conducted by the Sloan Consortium show widespread support among academic leaders for the notion that learning outcomes from online higher education degree programs are equal to or exceed those of residential programs, and that those learning outcomes are expected to continue to improve relative to their fixed facility…

In 2000, 43 percent of undergraduates were of nontraditional college age (24 years or older). Eighty percent were employed, including 39 percent who were employed full time. Today, experts believe that nearly three out of four adults are taking some kind of training. This increase is due in part to the growing number of programs that provide an…

Accreditation is a process that gives public recognition to institutions that meet certain standards. It is a promise that an institution will provide the quality of education it claims to offer. Accreditation assures the student that the institution operates on a sound financial basis, has an approved program of study, qualified instructors,…

Because career experiences occur in the broad life context, career counseling should take an inclusive approach that encompasses personal counseling and life-career integration. Counselor preparation should include awareness of personal and career issues, a theoretical base, and a range of relevant skills for connecting life and career. (Contains…

A study of 459 part-time graduate and undergraduate students with full-time jobs in Hong Kong found that support of employers and families had a significant relationship with perceived job performance and satisfaction with family and work life. Academic performance was not significantly correlated with perceived employer and family support.…

Of 1,740 displaced workers in 1982, 387 responded to a 1992 survey. Of the 34 who were retrained, 27 had a high school education or higher, suggesting that postdisplacement job training should be targeted to workers with higher education levels. Others should first be provided with basic education. (Contains 44 references.) (SK)

Research findings indicate that neither workers nor workplaces are prepared for flexible delivery of training. A proposed model identifies strategies for learner development (self-directed learning, self-monitoring, engagement with a wide range of modes) and workplace development (clear training policies, trainer skills to support self-direction…

A study of clerical staff in two British banks (n=29) who completed National Vocational Qualifications in customer services shows that the potential for skill development and flexibility was not realized. Workers spent more time writing about their routine tasks to accredit existing skills than they did being trained in new skills. (Contains 49…

Identifies problems in codifying vocational knowledge, including inappropriate dualisms such as theoretical versus practical and omission of important tacit knowledge. Outlines Polanyi's ideas about tacit knowledge and presents a knowledge taxonomy as a possible strategy for codification and advocates a holistic teaching approach. (Contains 52…

A competency-based approach to medical education emphasizes training over education and limits development of broader perspectives. A more learner-centered approach and a return to dialogue with the discipline of medicine and with teacher-practitioners are advisable. (Contains 30 references.) (SK)

Adapted from a simulation for adults, a British project engaged 12-14 year-olds in producing school newspapers using Internet sources. Outcomes included exposure to information/communications technology, improved computer and communication skills, experience with teamwork, slight improvements in writing and spelling, and increased cooperation…

Interviews with 50 further education managers, lecturers, and students in Britain identified complex ways in which flexibility is experienced: (1) lecturers feel increasingly busy trying to provide flexibility; (2) role boundaries are becoming more and more fuzzy in the flexible workplace; and (3) there are notions of "good" and "bad" flexibility,…

Takes issue with the assumptions that training and productivity are causally related, skill development leads to economic growth, and vocational education serves the interests of employers, government, and workers. Argues that training discourse is aimed at reasserting the dominance of capital over labor. (Contains 40 references.) (SK)