Explores the option of using distance education courses as a viable alternative to building classrooms and facilities. Distance education could be one solution to the financial and physical facilities problems universities may have in dealing with the predicted economic and enrollment conditions. (AEF)

The University of Florida's Indian River Research and Education Center (IRREC) has offered on-site and distance education courses in agribusiness management, horticultural sciences, and agricultural education and communication since 1998. A survey of current and potential students at IRREC was recently conducted which examines preferences for…

Discusses several online and offline community-building strategies that may be used to foster a positive social dynamic in online courses. Introduces a "communal scaffolding" model which lets instructors conceptualize how affective and cognitive learning are intertwined in online learning. A "communal architect" is someone who erects a communal…

Discusses the impact of various policies, including faculty compensation, workload, intellectual property, and geographic service areas, on distance education enrollment growth. Reports on five cases based on data from a survey of members of the Western Cooperative for Educational Telecommunications and presents a framework for understanding why…

Discusses distance learning demographics, distance learning motivation, and barriers, and reports results of a questionnaire sent to students at a Canadian university that identified characteristics of students enrolling in distance education programs. Examines four models of descriptive characteristics (demographic, experiential, motivational,…

Reports results of a study of community college faculty's responses to factors that were identified as inhibitors to their participation in distance education. Compares responses given by different groups of faculty and division chairs and discusses ways in which colleges and universities could respond to their concerns. (LRW)

Examines some of the current research and thought on the promises, problems, and the future possibilities in modern distance learning, particularly types that are delivered via electronic means. Topics include history of distance learning; quality of instruction; cost effectiveness; misuse of technology; equipment problems; instructor attitudes…

Describes a pilot study that compared three course formats in an undergraduate course: traditional format, Web-based section, and a hybrid that mixed traditional and Web-based methods. Discusses student performance, student satisfaction, instructor experiences; and implications and recommendations for Web-based courses. (LRW)

Discusses ethics and student assessment in distance education, focusing on strategies for minimizing academic dishonesty in online student assessment. Topics include acknowledging the disadvantages of online assessment and overcoming them; designing an effective, cheat-proof online assessment; keeping online courses current; and providing students…

Discusses contemporary challenges for quality assurance and accreditation in light of electronic learning and the impact of technology. Highlights include a history of formal education and quality criteria; new paradigms, including the role of end users and focusing on outcomes rather than processes; and definitions of quality assurance and…

Discusses quality assurance benchmarks for distance education and describes results of a survey of academic staff at higher education institutions in Hong Kong that measured their perception of quality assurance in Web-based learning. Examines institutional support; course development; teaching/learning process; course structure; student support;…

Discussion of faculty attitudes toward distance education and potential barriers to faculty acceptance and adoption focuses on a study that investigated faculty perceptions regarding distance education competence, value, and educational technology support by philosophical position towards distance education. Suggests the need to more effectively…

Describes a survey of faculty and administrators at a research university that investigated faculty use of technology in teaching, motivating and inhibiting factors for participating in distance education, and understanding of policies on distance education. Presents a factor analysis of motivating and inhibiting factors and considers gender, age,…

Discussion of academic cheating and plagiarism focuses on occurrences in online courses, based on experiences at Baker College (Michigan). Highlights include tools to fight plagiarism; using search engines to detect plagiarism; digital paper mills; plagiarism detection companies; and the role of administrators and faculty. (LRW)

Discussion of the growing use of distance education focuses on a study that compared the learning styles of community college students who enrolled in an off-campus online course via the Internet and those who were taking the same course on-campus. Examines demographic characteristics, employment and occupational status, and educational…