Course Description: EDUC 6421
Critical Issues in Distance Education
Distance Education represents a major structural change in education: the way it is designed, taught, and delivered. This course examines the historical, conceptual, theoretical, and practical issues associated with distance education. It is intended to provide a foundation for research and practice in the domain of distance education, as well as related areas (e.g., adult learning, educational systems design, school administration & policy).
Objectives: In this course, students will:
- Outline the historical evolution of distance education in the U.S. and worldwide
- Explain the major conceptual issues that underlie distance education
- Describe some of the theories of distance education that have been proposed
- Discuss the nature of research studies that have been conducted in distance education
- Develop guidelines for developing and implementing distance education programs
- Summarize the current status and emerging developments of the field
