At the end of this session you should be able to:

1. State the rationale supporting distance education;
   
2. Describe several alternative models of distance education;
   
3. Describe briefly the historical development of distance education; and
   
4. Relate concepts of educational technology to distance education.
   

Read the following chapter:

Simonson, et. al, Chapter 2

Refer to:

Moore, M. & Kearsley, G. Distance education: A Systems View
Chapters 3 & 4.

Picciano, A.G. Distance Learning: Making connections across virtual space and time.
Chapter 1.

http://www.uidaho.edu/evo/distglan.html, Guide #1

These books (and others) are on reserve in the Curriculum Resources Center.

Focus Questions:

1. Are there any inconsistencies or new perceptions about distance education when you compare the definition we developed last week and these readings?
   
2. What are some of the possible arguments not supporting distance education?
   
3. What is the difference, if any, between distance education and correspondence study? (Think beyond the delivery medium.)
   
4. Why is distance education often thought to be within the domains of educational technology?
   
5. How would you describe distance education to a friend who is not familiar with it?