Composed of mostly graduate students, the group and its statewide chapters hope to alleviate fear among younger students who may be apprehensive about distance learning. The University is slowly implementing Web-taught courses. Last year, courses in history, political science and Russian were available via the Web. Increased demands on distance-learning programs at the University are reflective of those at other higher education institutions. A recent Wall Street Journal report noted that nationwide more than 400 colleges and universities offer accredited distance-learning programs.
Some colleges use the Internet as their only classrooms.
At its inaugural meetings last month, the distance learning student group researched ways technology can enhance education for both distance learners and other students at the University. The student group has collaborated with other departments at the University. Along with University libraries, the Office of Distance Education and the Digital Media Center, the group plans to hold workshops informing students about distance learning in the upcoming months. Sara Dexter, a lecturer in the College of Education and Human Development, sees several advantages to using technology as a key teaching tool, both for students and distance learners. People are constantly linked through chat groups, making learning highly interactive.