Distance education is an alternative way of studying that is suitable for some individuals for various reasons.

Many distance education programs target adults. At the UP Open University, for example, most of the programs are post baccalaureate degree programs. Many of the students have employment, family responsibilities, and social and professional obligations. They desire to upgrade their qualifications in terms of skills and/or knowledge with the hope of improving their income-earning capabilities, either as an employee or as a self-employed individual. Their responsibilities, however, limit their opportunities for further studies in the traditional, classroom-based courses. Some cannot attend regular classes because their work require traveling or because the hours are very irregular. Some have to take care of their children or an elderly or sickly relative. Some may be based in a place where there are no nearby educational institutions that would meet their requirements. Some may not have the capacity to pay for the cost of frequent travel to a campus.

“Distance education is planned learning that normally occurs in a different place from teaching and as result requires special techniques of course design, special instructional techniques, special methods of communication by electronic and other technology, as well as special organizational and administrative arrangements.”

Question/s: Does UPOU provide its students with the opportunity to qualify and take board examinations, such as the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET), so that learners will also have the opportunity to become licensed teachers?

Topic: Defining Distance Education Date: 1980 Course/Subject: Distance Education Studies

Notes Main Idea The paper analyzes existing definitions of distance education and identifies six essential components that should be included in a comprehensive definition. The analysis covers different educational philosophies and institutional contexts for distance education.

Key Definitions and Theorists Holmberg's Definition

Distance education involves the separation of teacher and learner. Requires planned, structured learning materials and institutional support. French Law (Loi 71.556 du 12 juillet 1971)

Defines distance education as learning where the teacher is not physically present, except for occasional tasks. Moore's Definition

Highlights separation of teaching and learning behaviors. Emphasizes the use of technical media and the importance of two-way communication. Peters’ Definition

Describes distance education as an industrialized form of education. Incorporates principles like division of labor, mass production, and mechanization in the teaching process. Six Essential Components of Distance Education Separation of Teacher and Student

Physical and temporal separation in the teaching and learning process. Role of Educational Organization

Planning, preparing, and providing learning materials and support. Use of Technical Media

Communication between teacher and learner facilitated by print, radio, television, or computers. Provision of Two-Way Communication

Opportunities for dialogue between teacher and learner. Possibility of Occasional Seminars

Allowing for some face-to-face interaction for didactic or social purposes. Participation in an Industrialized Form of Education

Incorporates aspects of industrial processes in the delivery of education, such as standardized materials and automated communication. Analysis and Discussion Educational Contexts and Models

Different definitions cater to various levels and types of education (e.g., correspondence, open learning, external studies). Theoretical frameworks like Peters' focus on the structural separation and mechanization of distance education. Challenges and Misconceptions

Confusion over terminology, such as correspondence study vs. distance education. Misunderstanding of the relationship between traditional and distance education models. Proposed Solution

The term 'distance education' is suggested as the most suitable to encompass various forms and philosophies of education that involve separation of teacher and learner. Implications The need for clarity in defining distance education for consistent policy development and theoretical analysis. Importance of recognizing the distinct nature of distance education as an industrialized form of learning. Questions/Cues What are the key differences between Holmberg’s and Peters’ definitions of distance education? How does Keegan's six-component framework help in distinguishing distance education from other forms of non-traditional education? Why is Peters’ view on industrialization important in understanding distance education? Summary The paper provides a detailed analysis of distance education by examining prominent definitions and proposing a comprehensive framework. Keegan emphasizes the industrialized nature of distance education and the necessity for clear terminology to distinguish it from other educational forms.

Reference Keegan, D. J. (1980). On defining distance education. Distance Education, 1(1), 13-36.