Convergence of these two models may require that everyone involved reconsider their commitment and interest in participating in distance delivery of educational programs. Nowhere is the issue of convergence of programs more challenging than in Learner Support. Tech support, course materials distribution, registration systems, on-line payment, lesson tracking, and advising have been revamped. Quality service is no longer an option but a demand from an increasingly selective student population. Lack of service or support can bring an academically sound and technologically innovative program to its knees.
Technology enables institutions to offer a broader range of services.
Increased services beyond actual instruction include access to university research libraries, career development and counseling, tutorials, as well as extra-curricular activities that contribute to the campus experience and create a lifelong bond between students and their schools. Technology has increased student access to programmatic information, advising, registration and tuition payment, and technical support regardless of time and place. Redesigning existing services to address the needs of the traditional as well as the new on-line learner can tax even the most sophisticated support unit. Staff need to be re-trained in innovative uses of technology in order to provide needed services. Conclusion Penn State is committed to maintaining a strong print-based distance learning program.