THE DISTANT LEARNING TECHNOLOGY

First, some serious stuff for starters...

The distance learning technology – also known under names like “E-learning” or “Online courses/education” has basically emerged during the last 15 years – the time of the advent of the World Wide Web – the INTERNET. Having in mind that the INTERNET itself is still in its infancy (something like black TV compared to color or digital TV), one can easily imagine the bright future of distant learning during the next decade.
The distant learning technology has emerged and is expanding mainly in highly developed industrial countries that have the resources for this business. At the same time the distant learning technology is developing also in large underdeveloped countries where modern satellite communications are much cheaper compared to traditional communications. In fact we are facing the prospect of a global market for education services of all types and levels, influenced by factors like cultural barriers, language differences, mobility of the labor force, etc. All over the world the distant learning technology is basically the same, except the mentioned language aspects and also some minor technical/procedural/organizational details. For this reason we use it in the singular “distant learning technology”. It is built on a few basic principles as follows:

- students and teachers/lecturers are not at one place, they can be located in any place in the world;
- there is no limit to the number of students accepted;
- courses/lectures and testing materials are processed in electronic form. Traditional text is supplemented by new audio and visual media where necessary or useful;
- distant audio and /or visual interaction among students and teachers is carried out via the Internet in real time. Information exchange via e-mail or on CD’s is also used as a compromise where there is no reliable or cheap Internet access. The interaction is two-way. It can take place at any time (normally at regular intervals – once or twice monthly) or on demand of the student (for consultations);
- the student has complete freedom to read or download the relevant materials (via encrypted access to the learning center Website or by receiving them by email or on a CD);
- the learning institution can use its own pre-recorded lectures or lease such lectures from other universities or renowned teachers/professors from all over the world, or combine both options;
- the need to employ teaching staff is drastically reduced since the role of the tutor is not to read lectures but to consult the students on concrete matters or questions asked. Usually widely renowned and accredited professors are attracted to raise the image of the institution;
- the technical platform (system, database, program) is also basically identical for all distant learning technologies, except for the language aspect. It is normally leased on an annual or semi annual basis. Pre-recorded teaching materials (courses, lectures, literature) are then uploaded into the system/platform (the server – PC connected 24 hrs to the Internet – can be your own or somebody else’s leased remote server);
- examinations can be requested and take place online at any time within the pre-contracted time or number of hours/credits. Different verification and control methods are used – physical presence of an auditor close to students’ location/town or students’ presence at the learning institution.
Documents about the status, services and advantages of a distant learning institution are provided on its website and brochures and include:
- copy of the state issued teaching license
- copy of the accreditation certificate
- copies of legal documents/permits to operate in a certain country
- program of specialties/courses
- terms for enrolment, including prices
Documents issued to graduates by the distant learning institution are the same as by traditional universities:
- state diploma for high education
- certificate of degree in professional retraining/refresher courses
- certificate of degree for higher qualification
The distant learning technology should not be overestimated. It has its own limitations and multiple problems. The most important one is not a technical or professional but a moral one: how to ensure and keep the trust of society and candidates against the well known fact that 95% of business on the INTERNET is scams and cheating! For this reason new education services are normally started first in a traditional way and later on distant learning technology is implemented!

However, fighting a fierce competition in a global market cannot be successful without the employment of distant learning technology. The simplest reason for this is that there is no other way to cut expenses drastically and make your service competitive than the distant learning technology!