The Institute for Distance Education has identified three models for Distance Instruction. There are several good sites on the world wide that provide information about the effectiveness of distance learning. The University of Idaho has established a significant distance learning program within their College of Engineering. Additionally there is a University of Idaho site that specifically addresses the issue of learning effectiveness. The California Distance Learning Project, provides significant information regarding the effectiveness of distance education.
T o be successful, distance learning requires extensive pre-planning and formative evaluation.
Distance learners value instructors who are well prepared and organized . D istant students bring basic characteristics to their learning experience which influence their success in coursework. While the use of distance learning technology seems to have enormous potential, it also requires enormous effort and ongoing commitment. There is no mystery to the way effective distance education programs develop. In fact, successful distance education programs rely on the consistent and integrated efforts of students, faculty, facilitators, support staff, and administrators.