140 different course titles, the vast majority of them courses for credit leading to a certificate, diploma, or degree, were available to adults who have Internet access at home, at work or in open computer labs on our campuses. We know many of traditional classrooms use the Internet for delivering some content or for communication among faculty and students. Distance learning technologies are being incorporated into the regular classroom. Distance learning technologies are not necessarily more cost-efficient than traditional classroom instruction. Initial investments in technology, plus ongoing maintenance, upgrading of software and equipment, and training of faculty, makes it very costly.
Students ask more questions and require more feedback.
We have found that class sizes average 13.8 for Web-based courses and 17.3 for telecourses. Let me give you a concrete example. When military personnel enrolled at Fayetteville Technical Community College were called to active duty overseas, they were able to complete courses over the Internet or through videotapes. Without distance learning, these students would have been forced to withdraw and lose whole semesters. We know there are critics, and some of our faculty resist these technologies.