-Pamela Shultz As technology advances so do schools. Colleges and universities try to keep up with these technological advancements.

It was not long ago that computers were installed in schools and colleges, now students have access to the internet on computers. It makes sense then to add distance-learning courses, where students can be enrolled in internet classes. Not only are there internet courses, but also compressed video courses; compressed video courses allow students from one campus to attend the same class as other students on another campus through live televised courses. Are distance-learning courses beneficial to students? Many students enroll in distance-learning courses in order to take classes on their own time, in the freedom of their own home, and on a campus close to home. Distance courses allow for less travel time, which benefits the students in a tough economic time. With these benefits, what are some of the consequences of distance education? With so many schools going to online degrees, do the students suffer? How do students feel about distance education? How do the administrators feel about distance learning? Students now have the option to take a course online at a college or university. Students can even complete a degree program that was designed to be completed exclusively online. How do these technological advancements affect the education the students receive? This paper will look at past research conducted on distance education and some of the current trends affecting distance education, as well as, alternative futures in distance education. Literature Floyd (2003) states the term distance education is used to include every form of delivering off campus instruction. The models included in this definition include satellite, television, video conferencing, cable, audiotapes, computer systems, fax, correspondence courses, home study, and independent study. Webster and Hackley (1997) looked at technology-mediated distance learning, which is a new method of distance education. This technology mediated distance learning is becoming important in education; aiding in costs, information, and knowledge among multiple sites by providing education to distance or disadvantaged locations. Gellman-Danley and Fetzner (1998) stated that it was only in the past few years that an overabundance of new distance learning programs has been introduced, in particular the community colleges have seen a significant growth in distance education. Floyd (2003) also agrees that community colleges have seen significant growth, and mentions that in 1994, 80% of community colleges offered some form of distance education (p. 338). Traditional Versus Distance Learning Merisotis and Phipps (1999), try to assess the difference between distance and traditional classroom learning. They claim that past research suggests that the learning outcomes of students using distance education are similar to those who participate in traditional classroom education. They sought to examine distance learnings effectiveness and compare it with traditional learning.

Distance Learning in Colleges and Universities

They found that students and faculty have a positive view toward distance learning. Current Trends Howell, Williams, and Lindsey (2003) studied the current trends affecting distance education. One such trend is student and enrollments; with the growing student population and enrollments, distance education programs are becoming necessary. Because of the many responsibilities students face such as family, and full time jobs, many students search for classes that meet their schedules and circumstances. For students not able to get to the campus, distance education has provided opportunities to students wanting to continue their education (Owston, 1997). Today many universities are online, offering programs that can be completed online; such universities include the University of Phoenix, Kaplan University, Walden University, and Capella University. The University of Phoenix has 200 locations including online programs around the world; this shows the growing trend of distance education. Consequences Possible consequences of distance education could involve loss of quality interaction with peers and instructors, distance education creates more stress for teachers, problems with delivery models, learning is not as hands on, poorer student performance, as well as many other issues. Rovai (2002) revealed that one area of concern is dropout rates, which are higher in distance education, programs than in traditional programs. However, Webster and Hackley (1997) state that research comparing the effectiveness of educational television and face-to-face instruction have found no or small differences in student achievement (p. 1283). They asserted that many researchers feel scientists need to move beyond grade point averages as indicators of student achievement; therefore, they looked at student involvement, participation, engagement, technology self-efficacy, attitudes toward technology models, usefulness and attitudes toward technology-mediated learning (1997). They allege that learning is best accomplished through active involvement; and many educators have argued that active involvement of students cannot be accomplished through videoconferencing, and other technology mediated learning. Students may even participate less if they feel they are on video or television. Rovai (2002) states that physical separation of students in distance education programs may contribute to the dropout rates. These students feel a sense of disconnection, and reduction of a sense of community. This lack of a sense of community can affect the students ability to bond, sense of cohesion, feelings of friendships, trust, and interaction. Howell, Williams, and Lindsay (2003) claim that studies on online course retention rates compared to traditional courses are inconclusive. They state individual schools and organizations report online programs have as higher or higher retention rates. These retention rates are a concern for university administrators and faculty. Benefits Possible benefits of distance learning involves student access on remote locations, student access at convenient times that fit their schedule, increase access to education, costs less than a traditional education, as well as many other benefits. Owsten (1997)

Volume 1 Issue 1 Spring 2011

Journal of International Students 25