A Message From the President
In the past, distance learning was a second choice, a last resort even, for people who unfortunately couldn't get an education in the normal way, which was to sit in a classroom and listen to a live teacher.
Called correspondence school, it was a way to educate people who lived too far from a traditional college, couldn't afford college or didn't have time to go. The quality varied wildly, and the contact between teacher and student was virtually all on paper.
The reason for doing it hasn't changed much -- more people wanting to learn than classrooms, equipment and faculty to teach them -- but the techniques for doing it are changing radically.
Technology has transformed distance learning from a slow, dry process that required extraordinary motivation to an exciting, fast-moving, flexible and personal exchange between students and teacher.
Though separated by distance or time or both, teachers and students can communicate by over-the-air broadcasts, videocassettes, cable channels, telephone and fax, computer conferencing, electronic mail, fiber optic networks with interactive audio, compressed video and data interchange.
There are almost no limits.
And FSU is in a position to lead the way. We not only have significant experience with distance learning courses, but we also have experts with a track record for developing the highest quality programs. Our research and telecommunications facilities for distance learning are unparalleled.
Through our Center for Professional Development and Public Service (CPD), Florida State is a national leader in continuing education. We have just brought on board another expert in distance learning -- Dr. Robert Simerly -- to direct the university's outreach, distance learning and CPD.
Probably the most important distance-learning resource at FSU is the Learning Systems Institute (LSI), which has a worldwide reputation for improving the performance of educational systems. LSI can design, evaluate and validate proposed distance-learning courses.
We already use distance learning over satellite broadcast and telephone lines to teach students miles away at our Panama City campus. Our Florida Engineering Education Delivery System also delivers courses over a network or on videotape for later playback by students.
FSU's public television stations allow us to offer distance-learning programs to PBS affiliates around the country.
This fall, we will operate a new public educational access channel, eventually providing interactive distance learning at a modest cost.
Our Supercomputer-Computations Research Institute is one of the finest in the world. It can provide direct support, training and technical assistance in developing computer applications to distance learning.
Other facilities include our Interactive Communication Lab, with its development of CD-ROM products; School of Motion Picture, Television and Recording Arts, the best of its kind anywhere; School of Library and Information Studies; Academic Computing and Network Services operation; Telecommunications Office; and the list goes on. Soon we will hire a new director of Distance Learning, as our Distance Learning Council focuses further on the opportunities ahead.
Sir Isaac Newton once said, "If I can see, it is because I stand on the shoulders of giants." FSU has a host of giants in the development of distance learning, and it stands ready to design programs, provide faculty, test, certify and accredit programs for worldwide distribution.
A single hurdle remains between this university and the premier position in distance learning. We need a partner.
If you or your company is interested in distance learning, the place to look for help is Florida State University.