Distance Education: Challenges and Perspectives

Co-sponsored by CO-ASIS&T and NOR-ASIS&T
Held at OhioLink and The Kent State University Library, linked via VTEL

Panel Discussion Presenters
Columbus Site
Steve Acker, Ph.D.
Acting Director
Technology Enhanced Learning and Research
Associate Professor of Journalism and Communication
The Ohio State University

Anne K. Abate, Ph.D.
Adjunct Faculty
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Kevin May, Ph.D.
President
eduport.com, inc.

Kent Site
Rick Rubin, Ph.D.
Professor
School of Library and Information Science
Kent State University

Margarete Epstein
Technology Assistant
The Ohio Literacy Resource Center
Kent State University

Program Description: Each presenter will be asked to give a 15-20 minute summary of his or her experience with distance education. Each presenter has also been asked to answer the following questions during that time:

Based on your experience, what do you think are some key characteristics of a succesful distance education program?
What have been some of the major “surprises” for you?
What kinds of mistakes have you made or seen made, and how might such mistakes be avoided?
What are your most valuable resources in trying to improve your effectiveness?
How would you like to see distance education evolve in the future?
After the presentations questions will be welcomed from the audiences.

Perspectives: The makeup of the panel is such that a variety of perspectives are representated including distance education program management, technology support, and education theory and practice.