Abstract:

Distance education has evolved through many delivery formats, conforming in varying degrees to an Information Age definition of "distance education" that emphasizes two-way electronic communication. The technological characteristics and limitations of each format have implications for pedagogical choices in designing distance education courses for foreign language (FL). Interactive television (ITV) and the World Wide Web, currently the dominant media for distance education, are discussed in light of their suitability for FL education. ITV offers the closest replication of the face-to-face learning experience while presenting important practical obstacles, particularly for delivery across multiple time zones and institutions. The World Wide Web is universally deliverable and economical but is constrained by limitations on media facilitating communicative interaction in the spoken channel and is, therefore, more suitable to advanced courses in skills other than speaking. Distributed learning, which combines various media and may include a face-to-face component, is the most appropriate distance learning solution for beginning and intermediate FL instruction. This paper describes a model for introductory Web-based courses combining various media in a distributed learning format and identifies directions in which distributed learning and distance education are likely to evolve.

Author: Stephen Fleming, David Hiple