The Future of Distance Learning

Brey's (1991) report of U.S. postsecondary distance learning programs predicted that the decade of the 1990's would see such phenomenal growth in distance education programs that most people in the United States would be served by at least one program. Much of this growth is expected to take place in the community colleges. As of 1994, 80% of community colleges in the United States offered some form of distance education program, and that percentage and the extent of their involvement are expected to increase throughout the decade.

This digest will discuss several aspects of distance education in community colleges including the technologies utilized, characteristics of distance learners, and the issues surrounding the application of technology as a form of instructional delivery.