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DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM

DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM The term was originally associated with a correspondence type program for which course materials would be sent to a student who was remote from the School campus for them to study individually and to submit work for assessment and/or occasionally to sit examinations. Thus students would study mainly alone. With occasional sessions with others - eg at 'summer schools'. Soon after the introduction of this form of study for an MBA in the 1980s Schools began to find ways of overcoming the disadvantages of distance and remoteness for students. Materials were delivered in various forms - not just print. Local support facilities were established, study groups of students in a particular area were encouraged and supported, etc. Later forms of computer conferencing were established to give students more direct access to faculty and to one another. Then video conferencing was introduced - and more recently the Internet has been used to provide the means for the electronic delivery of information and materials, the provision of more support and interaction - in effect providing, for the more sophisticated programs, 'virtual' classroom situations. Thus Distance Learning now means a range of things. Some DL programs still resemble the traditional approach - whilst others have become more like electronically supported part time programs. In all cases however the basic characteristics remain - i.e. such programs are intended for individuals who are unable or who do not wish regularly to attend 'classes' at a School and/or who wish to study at their own pace.