A framework for looking at distance education technologies

1. Category Feature Points Print
Synchronous
Time of
interaction Asynchronous √ Instruction using printed materials occurs independent of time. (Distance
education: new perspectives By Keith Harry page40)
Student-
student
Student-
Type of teacher
interaction Student- √ Students work alone on the course package. (Advances in computers,
content Volume 55 By Marvin V. Zelkowitz Page4)
Student-
machine
Group-based √ The print materials allow for group learning ands provides a forum to
discuss difficult topics (Distance education: new perspectives By Keith
Harry page20)
Learning style Self-based √ Print Materials is self-instruction with built-in objectives, information,
learning activities, prompts and feedback. (Distance education: new perspectives By
Keith Harry page20)
Anytime √ Giving adequate, light print materials can be used any time and anyplace
without the aid of supplemental resources. (Distance education: a practical
guide By Barry Willis page97)
Anyplace √ Giving adequate, light print materials can be used any time and anyplace
without the aid of supplemental resources. (Distance education: a practical
Flexibility guide By Barry Willis page97)
Ease of access/ √ Print will remain more accessible and convenient for learners than digitize.
use (“Technology, e-learning and distance education: By Tony Bates page89)

2. Development √ It takes a long time to develop high quality printed material. Print-based
distance education courses can take from 9 to over two years from approval
to the first opening of the course. Once produced, a print-based course is
difficult to change. (“Technology, e-learning and distance education: By
Tony Bates page88)
Feedback √ Print materials incorporate feedback mechanism and interactive execrsises
with answer sections (Distance education: a practical guide By Barry
Speed Willis page98)
Delivery √ Print materials are typically learner-controlled. As a result the student
rapidly moves through redudant sections, while focusing on areas
demanding additional attention. (Distance education: a practical guide By
Barry Willis page97)
Stand-alone √ No special equipment is needed to learn from print. (“Technology, e-
medium learning and distance education: By Tony Bates page89)
Instruction
Multimedia
support
Low √ Print unit costs of courses for 100 students or more a year is are still very
low. Good quality distance education print materials can cost less than one
(US) dollar per study hour per student including delivery. (“Technology, e-
Cost learning and distance education: By Tony Bates page89)
High
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