Distance Learning: A Comparison of Classroom Students With Off-Campus Television Students

Abstract

This article presents a summary of a study that was undertaken to increase the level of understanding of some of the issues associated with distance learning in higher education. The authors sought to do this by gathering and comparing direct feedback from both on-campus and off-campus students regarding discussion, attendance, and student assessment procedures. In keeping with the need to compare students in traditional classrooms and students at remote-site locations, the authors decided to compare the perceptions of their students in two different traditional classroom courses with students who took the same courses via television. The students participating in the study were taking classes in the Department of Educational Leadership at Ball State University (BSU). The study found that the students had prior experience with television classes, with some students having had extensive experience. The "no-call-in" rule was considered reasonable by the students, and most of the on-campus students were not bothered by the phones ringing from the off-campus sites. The results will be of interest to those already involved in or considering a distance education initiative. (Contains 1 table.)