According to Uslenghi, it was introduced some 15 years ago via the videocassette. Students could earn a master's in engineering by working their way through a series of pre-taped lectures. The program's main disadvantage was no direct, immediate interaction with an instructor. While videocassette and the more recent development of teleconferencing remain important tools in distance education, Uslenghi believes that the intrinsic properties of the Internet eventually will render them obsolete. The multi-media aspects of programs like UIC's MEng allow for superior interactions that are not necessarily available even in the traditional classroom.
Students follow video and audio segments during which they are required to solve problems.
For example, a student is just a click away from background on a particular scientist mentioned during the course of a lecture. According to IVC director Cathy Gunn, both the number of courses and institutions offering them will continue to grow, but she doesn't expect them to replace traditional university learning in the near future. Both Gunn and Uslenghi believe that among those included in that market niche will be the average working person, single parents and people with disabilities. I think education will continue to move in that direction not only because it is desirable, but because it is dictated by technological advances. 123 Science and Engineering Offices Bldg.