Distance Education

Overview

Cattle Reproduction Short Course
Dr. Jane Parish

Distance Education is an instructional medium in which the participant and the presenter are in separate physical locations. This educational format allows the presenter to reach across geographical barriers and teach those who may not have access to a traditional classroom. In many cases the material can be learned at the participant’s own pace at a convenient location such as his or her own home or office.

With the rapid changes taking place throughout our society, having fast, convenient access to educational instruction can be crucial to success. Our distance education program allows us to use various technologies in order to meet these needs. Although exciting new technologies are available, distance education is not a new idea but an evolving instructional method. For example, correspondence courses were the first form of distance education and began as early as the mid 1800’s. However, today the Extension Service uses audio and videotapes, interactive videoconferencing, CD-ROM, web-based courses and other interactive media in our distance education program.

In the past few years we have had many successful interactive distance education programs in areas such as Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Education, and Enterprise and Community Resource Development. Currently, we are in the process of expanding our program with additional equipment and technological methods of dissemination. Through our distance education program we will continue to explore ways in which we can meet the needs of our clients in a manner that is convenient, efficient, and cost effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is distance education as effective as traditional face-to-face meetings?

Where do I go to participate in interactive videoconferences?

Does it cost anything for me to participate in distance education programs?

I have never been to an interactive videoconference. What if I don’t know what to do?

I do not understand all of the terminology. Where can I get this information?

Other Information

Distance Education Glossary
Interactive Videoconference Schedule

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Last Modified: Thursday, 08-Mar-07 10:25:43
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