Designed to aid the university in planning for the future, the report of the Task Force on Distance Education addresses key topics related to distance education. Additionally, the task force has developed a set of goals, objectives, actions, and measurements to facilitate strategic planning for distance education. First, the accumulation and rapid changes of information and technology require ongoing education and professional development in the workforce. For employees who need additional schooling, distance education provides flexible formats and scheduling. Second, the total student population is expanding, and student demographics are changing.
Many students are older, have children and work full time.
Distance education makes programs more accessible to non-traditional students and students in rural areas. Third, institutions can share their resources to meet student needs. Instructional resources at one school can be used to teach courses to students enrolled at another. Through shared resources and improved access, small group instruction is feasible and affordable. Additionally, the ability to share resources through technology is an alternative to building more buildings.