What is Distance Education?

Courses that are taught at a distance using educational technology are referred to as distance education classes.

Distance Education is characterized by:

1. Physical and/or time separation of the student and the instructor during the majority of class
2. The use of educational technology to bring together the student and instructor and to transmit course content
3. Two-way communication between the instructor and student (Verduin and Clark, 1991)

What does that mean at Boise State University?*

At Boise State, Distance Education refers to classes that use educational technology to deliver or convey the class content and communication between the instructor and students. The delivery methods used by Boise State include:

Asynchronous — Electronic Campus

In distance learning, “asynchronous” refers to activities that do not require participation at the same time. Courses that are primarily asynchronous still have deadlines, and may include some synchronous activities. At Boise State, most distance classes (95%) are offered asynchronously through:

• Internet/Online
• Teleweb
• Online Professional Education

Synchronous — Site Based

In distance learning, “synchronous” refers to activities conducted in real time or at specified times. At Boise State most of these classes require or offer attendance at physical sites other than the main campus. Synchronous classes are delivered through:

• Videoconferencing
• Telecourses

Last reviewed: August 05, 2011