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What is distance learning?

Distance Learning Synopsis

Distance learning or distributed learning is the delivery of educational programs to off-campus students through the combination of information technology and traditional teaching methods. Distance learning allows students, instructors and course content to be brought together regardless of geographic separation.

In the year 2000, in North America, over one thousand degree and certificate programs from nearly nine hundred accredited institutions were offered by distance learning. New courses and programs are continually being developed, and selected universities such as Athabasca University are offering their courses and degree programs solely through distance methods.

Campus Manitoba's focus

Centres

Regional CMB centres staffed by CMB coordinators provide academic and logistical support for students enrolled in Campus Manitoba. Coordinators act as representatives of the partner universities, while the centres are used in part as lecture rooms, study areas and examination halls. Students enrolled in classes that do not contain live components or who are studying with supported institutions can also make full use of the centres' resources.

Live

CMB courses are delivered in two basic formats: live and online. "Live" lectures are delivered on a predetermined schedule using either ILinc or teleconference. ILinc is a live virtual classroom environment that enables instructors to deliver live courseware to students and receive feedback via the internet. More information and demos can be found at the Mentergy e-Learning site under the ILinc section. Contact with instructors or other students after class hours is often via email or bulletin boards

Online

"Online" classes are generally accessed using net-based interfaces called Moodle and WebCT. Lectures for online classes are often delivered through a combination of CDs, videos, printed manuals and posted information. Communication with instructors or other students takes place by email, bulletin boards and at times by phone. Although these courses are self-directed, they do require completion within the academic session, often to a fixed timetable.