GSBPP Faculty Perceptions of Synchronous Distance Learning Technologies

Abstract

Distance Learning (DL) is a formal learning activity that occurs when students and instructors are separated by either time or geographical distance. Since the learning and teaching occur in different places, DL requires special course design and instructional techniques, as well as special communication techniques and organizational- administrative arrangements DL programs have various delivery methods using either asynchronous (email, Web, videotape) or synchronous (Video teleconferencing, Elluminate) communications technologies. There are several potential benefits of DL, such as reaching students who do not have easy access to education, providing flexibility in class meeting times, mass delivery of education, improving the quality of learning as compared to traditional classroom-based instruction, and ultimately preparing students for a knowledge-based society. However, limitations and concerns are also evident in this new learning environment. Many challenges associated with DL focus on faculty issues and concerns. The aim of this project is to review the perceived difficulties of DL teaching from the perspective of faculty who teach DL programs in the Graduate School of Business & Public Policy (GSBPP) at Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), and then to recommend sound solutions in order to ensure program success.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 2008
Accession Number
ADA494133

Entities

People

  • Inanc C. Guremen

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Cognitive Workload
  • Commerce
  • Distance Learning
  • Education
  • Educational Technology
  • Electronic Mail
  • Instructions
  • Instructors
  • Political Science
  • Public Policy
  • Schools
  • Social Sciences
  • Students
  • Teleconferencing
  • United States
  • Video
  • Video Teleconferencing

Fields of Study

  • Computer science
  • Education

Readers

  • Agent-Based Social Robotics and Mobile-Assisted Learning in Virtual Environments.
  • STEM Education
  • Systems Analysis and Design