This document discusses the evolution of distance education due to advances in technology. It provides examples of different technologies used in distance education, such as audio/video conferencing, social networking, blogs/RSS feeds, and digital tools. Popular platforms like Blackboard and Wimba are highlighted that aim to bridge the gap between students and instructors by facilitating online communication and collaboration. The growth of distance education enrollment over time is also summarized.

1. Abstract:
As the digital generation grows up, the way people think, learn, communicate, and function has evolved. This has changed the
role of education in dramatic ways. The advancement of technology has transformed the traditional learning processes from
Taking the Distance Out of
being just about information into being about communication. As computers have become the norm in most households and the
Internet has altered the way we all communicate, new technology has aided in empowering students with more opportunities.
The future of distance education depends on services that can stand the test of time. As Library of Information Science
programs change and evolve, university libraries have revolutionized their collections and services to provide for this segment of
Distance Education Technology Types
• Audio: Teleconferencing; Audio conferencing via
tech-savvy learners both on campus and off. As current Library and Information Science students, we will focus on our Internet; Podcasting
experiences with different avenues of instruction, as well as popular tools used by students to help bridge the gap between Alexandra Aldridge & Amy Smith • Video: Broadcast Television; DVD’s; Video Conferencing;
academic success and distance education. This poster will discuss the different interfaces, techniques, and tools used to create Rosa Parks Library, Troy University-Montgomery Webcasts; Streaming Video
an environment conducive to learning. University of Southern Mississippi, School of Library and Information Science Students
• Computer: E-mail; Internet Chat; Whiteboards; Blogs;
Wikis; Web Based Courses; Instructional
History of Distance Education Distance Education Today Websites; Virtual Classrooms; Tutorials
Blackboard is a program used to provide online classes to students Social Networking Podcasts/Videocasts
who are unable to attend classes on-campus. Blackboard is used in • Facebook • Skype
higher education settings to help bridge the gap between people and • LinkedIn • You Tube
technology. It facilitates and enriches the educational experiences of • Skype • Vimeo
its students and instructors by providing them opportunities for • Twitter • Voice Thread
continuous communication and collaboration. Because of its central • MySpace • iTunes
location, instructors and students are no longer bound by the • Google+ • Audacity
classroom walls and can access their course documents and work • Live Journal • Prezi
from anywhere or anytime. Instructors can upload lecture • Oovoo • Jing
notes, audio recordings, animations, learning activities, case studies
and video clips for students to easily access. Distance education no
longer has that cold disconnected feeling, because of advancements
and tools which now allow for actual classroom like settings through Blogs/RSS Feeds Digital Tools
platforms like Wimba. • Google Reader • Wordle
Growth Facts in Distance Education • My Yahoo! • Webspiration
• Bloglines • Timetoast
• Between 1995 – 1998 enrollment doubled in online courses • WordPress • Skrbl
• In 1998, 58,000 courses were offered online • Blogger
Wimba is a virtual classroom environment that allows interaction
• By 1999, 1,600 of the 5,000 two and four year colleges in the U.S. offered degree programs • Tumblr
between instructors and students. Technological advancements have
online enhanced the teaching process with digital resources like audio and
• Market expected to expand from $1.2 billion a year in 2000 to $7 billion a year by 2003 video communication; therefore it allows professors to better serve and
• In 2003-2004, 16 percent of undergraduates took online classes engage students. Interaction is encouraged with the use of Content Management Sites
• In 2007-2008, 20 percent of undergraduates took at least one online class microphones, video, or real time chats. Other resources that can be
• Evernote • Zotero • Dropbox
integrated into the classroom are PowerPoint presentations and web
• Drupal • EasyBib • Word Press
links. Wimba can also be used for group collaboration and creating
• Dingo • PBWorks • Google Docs
archives of class sessions available for future access. These
• Delicious • Read It Later • Pinterest
advancements make Wimba the ideal tool for distance education