1. An effective distance learning course:

• responds to a recognized need

• sets clear standards

• leverages existing assets

In an ideal situation, any distance learning course would meet all the criteria defined below. Actual courses are deficient in some of these categories. The job of the course designer is to recognize deficiencies and accommodate them to insure success.

in terms of the strategic mission of your institution?

(i.e., "to help fulfill your college's state-mandated mission to teach non-traditional students by offering a key course in program _____ to students who cannot come to the campus" or "to support economic development by teaching adult literacy to students who work on a schedule that will not allow attendance at normal hours" or "to provide 'just in time' training to technical support personnel."

in terms of a market?

(i.e., "to students already taking other business related courses from this institution using distance learning" or "to students currently learning these skills from weekly classroom sessions that will be eliminated" or to students identified in a marketing study by _____"

in terms of instructional quality?

(i.e., "with grades at least equal to the grade in traditional sections of the same course as measured on the same final exam" or "with a passing at least equal to that in traditional sections of the same course as measured by the proficiency test administered by _____"

in terms of student satisfaction?

(i.e., "with a 'superior' level of student satisfaction as indicated by results of the standard course assessment form administered to all students completing the course" or with a dropout rate lower than that of traditional sections of the same course")

in terms of cost?

(i.e., "at a cost per student no greater than in traditional sections of the same course")

Institutional assets

an appropriate technology infrastructure

instructors with experience in or enthusiasm for distance learning

recognized need that will generate institutional support and funding

means to facilitate access to supplemental resources needed in the course

an effective, well-tested course with enough actual or potential students to make it an attractive candidate for conversion

Student assets:

a perceived need for the course

appropriate technology to receive the course

previous positive experiences with distance learning

a basic understanding of the subject to be taught

the motivation to learn without the support of a traditional classroom structure

2. An effective distance learning course:

recognizes the differences among student groups

recognizes the options offered by distance learning and the possible negative effects of those options specific student groups

tailors the available options to the needs of the groups