But distance learning is not generally cost effective for regional colleges because of the travel time and the generally small number of classes or students in a class. Colleges try to overcome this problem by offering telecourses. But telecourses do not provide the access to the professor that in-person courses offer. However, there are models of distance learning that do offer the convenience of local access coupled with the cost-effectiveness of telecourses. These courses use computers and computer networks to allow students the equivalent of direct access to the teacher and to other class members.
Students can meet regularly at a local telecourse site.
The instructor can broadcast to the students at a number of sites at one time and receive direct feedback from them. The internet or other wide area networks allow the students to leave messages and converse on line with the teacher and other students both during class and at odd hours. In this way computer networks help pull together teachers in different locations. The telecourse and computer facilities keep the class members connected during the other times during the year. At Morehead State our summer writing project conference will promote hands-on training in computer classrooms.