Distance learning strategies: part 2: a macro analysis

Distance learning is often offered up as a panacea for a variety of ills: to leverage scarce faculty or facilities, to increase enrollment by attracting new students, to enhance educational quality [7]. There is evidence that such touted benefits are more than simple "hype." You do not have to search very hard to find success stories that demonstrate nearly every claim that has been made. What you are far less likely to find, however, is examples where all, or even most, desired outcomes have been simultaneously achieved. Simply stated, distance learning—like most other forms of endeavor—is not immune from the classic tradeoffs, such as "quality vs. quantity" or "depth vs. breadth." The central premise of this article, then, is this: If distance learning is to be used effectively, priorities must be set that are consistent with the strategic goals of the institution.