DEOSNEWS Vol. 1  No. 8
Copyright 1991 DEOS - The Distance Education Online Symposium

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EDITORIAL

This week we are posting a complete set of abstracts compiled
from volume 2 (1988), of the American Journal of Distance Educa-
tion. The abstracts from volume 1 (1987) were posted in DEOSNEWS
#4. In the future, DEOSNEWS will provide abstracts from volume 3
and 4. These back issues are available at $12 per copy for
subscribers and at $24 per copy for others.

Backissues of DEOSNEWS can be retrieved by posting the command
GET DEOSNEWS filename to LISTSERV@PSUVM, where filename is either
LOG9104, LOG9105, or LOG9106. LOG9104 comprises DEOSNEWS #1-4,
LOG9105 comprises DEOSNEWS #5-6 and LOG9106 comprises DEOSNEWS
#7-. The following are the titles of the first seven articles
posted in DEOSNEWS:

#1 The American Center for Study of Distance Education
#2 GO MEEC! A Goal Oriented Method for Establishment of an
   Electronic College
#3 Audio-Conferencing in Graduate Education: A Case Study
#4 Abstracts from the American Journal of Distance Education
#5 The ICDL Database for Distance Education
#6 Bibliography on Computer Mediated Communication in Distance
   Education
#7 Computer-Assisted Language Learning at a Distance:
   An International Survey

ABSTRACTS from: THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DISTANCE EDUCATION 1988

Subscription Information/Address:
     The American Journal of Distance Education
     College of Education
     The Pennsylvania State University
     403 South Allen Street, Suite 206
     University Park, PA 16801-5202
     Telephone: (814) 863-3764

VOLUME 2 NUMBER 1

Author(s):     Saba, Farhad
Title:         Research in Distance Education: A System Modeling
               Approach
Publ.:         American Journal of Distance Education  Vol. 2,
               No. 1
Pub. Yr.:      1988
Pages:         9-24
Abstract:      The purpose of this article is to show how a
computer simulation research method, based on the System Dynamics
modeling technique, can be used for studying distance education
systems. It includes a brief review of research methods in
distance education, a rationale for systems research in distance
education, a technique of model development using the System
Dynamics approach and the DYNAMO simulation language, and a
display of a computer simulation of a prototype model. (written
by author) (18 references)

Author(s):     Coggins, Chere Campbell
Title:         Preferred Learning Styles and Their Impact on
               Completion of External Degree Programs
Publ.:         American Journal of Distance Education Vol. 2,
               No. 1
Pub. Yr.:      1988
Pages:         25-37
Abstract:      An examination of the relationship between learn-
ing styles and selected demographic variables on students'
persistence in external baccalaureate degree programs reveals
statistically significant associations among the following
variables: intention to earn a degree; level of education at time
of enrollment; years since last credit courses; and learning
style scores as measured by the Canfield Learning Style Inven-
tory. Specific learning style subscales which accounted for the
difference in persistence included: student's expectancy of doing
well and content preferences in for working with things in
contrast to people. The discriminant analysis model generated
allowed for 70% of persisters and non-persisters being correctly
classified. Findings reinforce the need for pre- admissions
counseling which focuses on careful degree selection ensuring a
close match between the interests and intentions of the student
and the degree program. In addition, orientation programs empha-
sizing survival skills and learning how to learn all toward
enhancing a student's self confidence seem indicated. (written by
author) (35 references)

Author(s):     Phillips, Gerald M.; Santoro, Gerald M.; and
               Kuehn, Scott A.
Title:         The Use of Computer-Mediated Communication in
               Training Students in Group Problem-Solving and
               Decision-Making Techniques
Publ.:         American Journal of Distance Education  Vol. 2,
               No. 1
Pub. Yr.:      1988
Pages:         38-51
Abstract:      This article describes the use of computer-mediat-
ed communication in a small group performance course. Typical
instruction in such courses is often ineffective because instruc-
tors are unable to monitor group discussion effectively. Through
the use of a computer network, three objectives were achieved: 1)
instructors were able to closely monitor progress in the groups;
2) students were provided with detailed feedback about their
performance of communication skills in their groups; and 3) the
instructional staff was able to increase their monitoring effi-
ciency to effectively advise more groups than in a non-computeri-
zed group performance course. The details of the evaluation,
feedback, and computer system are explained. (written by author)
(19 references)

Author(s):     Moore, George A. B.
Title:         Asynchronous Electronic Communication: A North
American-      Thai Collaboration
Publ.:         American Journal of Distance Education  Vol. 2,
               No. 1
Pub. Yr.:      1988
Pages:         52-62
Abstract:      Discussion of the role of technical media in
facilitating communication between student and teacher. Focuses
on a project involving the University of Guelph and Sukhathai
Thammathirat Open University. This project was designed to test
the feasibility of adapting computer-based instruction for
distance education in a developing country. (ERIC #EJ372448) (20
references)

VOLUME 2  NUMBER 2

Author(s):     Keegan, Desmond
Title:         Problems in Defining the Field of Distance Educat-
               ion
Publ.:         American Journal of Distance Education  Vol. 2,
               No. 2
Pub. Yr.:      1988
Pages:         4-11
Abstract:      This article represents the author's response to a
charge that his book The Foundations of Distance Education
presented "too narrow a view of distance education".  In respond-
ing to this charge, Keegan discusses the relationship between
distance and conventional education, with specific reference to
the issue of whether distance education is merely one teaching
mode which will gradually merge with conventional delivery or
whether it is one of two specific, unrelated educational dimen-
sions.   He argues that, although distance learning has been
intellectually and practically accepted, it has yet to be emo-
tionally accepted by conventional educators; administors of
conventional programs are therefore unlikely to merge their
programs with those in which students study away from educational
institutions and "outside the oral, group-based structures of
Western culture". On the basis of this assessment, the author
presents a view of distance education as complementing conven-
tional provision by being the "normal" provision of education for
those not served by traditional institutions: working people,
taxpayers, homemakers, and those who do not with to attend
conventional institutions. He concludes that educators must work
to guarantee distance learners educational experiences of equal
quality, quantity, and status to those provided to conventional
learners. (13 references)

Author(s):     Rule, Sara; Dewulf, Michael J.; and Stowitschek,
               Joseph J.
Title:         An Economic Analysis of Inservice Teacher Training
               Alternatives
Publ.:         American Journal of Distance Education  Vol. 2,
               No. 2
Pub. Yr.:      1988
Pages:         12-22
Abstract:      This paper examines the costs of providing inserv-
ice training via interactive television to early education staff
teaching young handicapped students in three rural communities.
Staff and children participated in their own or in adjacent
classrooms, while the trainers were located in studios 120-300
miles away. Participating teachers, aides, and student interns
implemented teaching techniques as trainers observed. Trainers
subsequently delivered feedback and the participants modified
their teaching techniques accordingly. Training cycles included
12-26 sessions distributed across 6-12 weeks. Costs of telecom-
munications training were gathered and used to estimate costs of
training that would have been incurred had staff traveled to
project sites. Results suggested that telecommunications training
is more economical than an equal amount of on site training and
can be a viable alternative for delivering individualized train-
ing to teachers in rural and remote areas. The advantages of
providing training to remote sites are discussed. (written by
author) (7 references)

Author(s):     Billings, Diane M.
Title:         A Conceptual Model of Correspondence Course
               Completion
Publ.:         American Journal of Distance Education  Vol. 2,
               No. 2
Pub. Yr.:      1988
Pages:         23-35
Abstract:      The study of correspondence instruction and course
completion behavior and a lack of a conceptual framework to guide
the investigation of the problem of high rates of correspondence
course noncompletion. A conceptual model of correspondence course
completion, adapted from Bean's synthetic model of attrition in
Institutions of Higher Education is proposed. The model links
background, organizational, environmental, outcome/attitudinal
variables, intention to complete the course, and lesson sub-
mission behavior with progress toward course completion. The
model shows relationships which are linear, additive, and causal,
and which can be estimated empirically. Use of the model is
advocated for further study and search for solutions to this and
related problems in distance education. (written by author) (52
references)

Author(s):     Grimes, Paul W.; Nielson, Joyce E.; and Niss,
               James F.
Title:         The Performance of Nonresident Students in the
               "Economics U$A" Telecourse
Publ.:         American Journal of Distance Education  Vol. 2,
               No. 2
Pub. Yr.:      1988
Pages:         36-43
Abstract:      As the number of students enrolled in nonresident-
ial college degree programs increases, questions are being raised
concerning the quality of instruction in courses which are
offered through nontraditional methods. One of the most popular
and often criticized forms of nontraditional instruction is the
telecourse. This paper presents a summary of results from a study
commissioned by the Annenberg/CPB Project to evaluate the effec-
tiveness of the recently produced and released "Economics U$A"
telecourse. (written by author) (9 references)

Author(s):     Barker, Bruce O. and Platten, Marvin R.
Title:         Student Perceptions on the Effectiveness of
               College Credit Courses Taught Via Satellite
Publ.:         American Journal of Distance Education  Vol. 2,
               No. 2
Pub. Yr.:      1988
Pages:         44-50
Abstract:      Many college and university administrators across
the country are showing interest in courses which are transmitted
live via satellite. Interactive instructional television is a
viable alternative for course delivery to students in distant or
geographically isolated settings. This article briefly describes
one of the first graduate level college credit courses taught
over the TI-IN interactive satellite network in Texas. A compila-
tion of student responses regarding their experience with
satellite instruction is also presented. (written by author) (1
reference)

VOLUME 2  NUMBER 3

Author(s):     Sammons, Morris
Title:         An Epistemological Justification for the Role of
               Teaching in Distance Education
Publ.:         American Journal of Distance Education  Vol. 2,
               No. 3
Pub. Yr.:      1988
Pages:         5-16
Abstract:      This paper examines the ideas of those who advo-
cate an emphasis on learner independence and shows that little
substantive information is available on how well learner autonomy
works in the context of distance education. After this examin-
ation, it will discuss a theory of learning developed by Hugh
Petrie (1981), in which the role of teaching is justified on
epistemological grounds and learner independence is promoted
through teaching. (written by author) (5 references)

Author(s):     Saba, Farhad
Title:         Integrated Telecommunications Systems and Instruc-
               tional Transaction
Publ.:         American Journal of Distance Education  Vol. 2,
               No. 3
Pub. Yr.:      1988
Pages:         17-24
Abstract:      Discussion of how learner and teacher communicate
in distance education. Focuses on Moore's concept of transaction-
al distance in light of recent developments in telecommunica-
tions. Integrated telecommunications systems are described, adult
learning and instructional transactions are discussed, and system
dynamics are presented as a tool for modeling concepts in dis-
tance education. (ERIC #EJ384367) (11 references)

Author(s):     Shale, Doug
Title:         Toward a Reconceptualization of Distance Education
Publ.:         American Journal of Distance Education  Vol. 2,
               No. 3
Pub. Yr.:      1988
Pages:         25-35
Abstract:      This article describes and discusses the conceptu-
alization of distance education. It elaborates on the fact that
education is a process, not a product; and provides a model for
the educational process to which distance education should be
striving. Further, the educational relationship between teacher
and student is described in greater detail.The author contends
that technological developments are eroding the traditional
points of distinction between distance education and conventional
education. The article concludes that distance education does not
require a definition because it can be viewed as education at a
distance. If distance education is not taken to be different from
education as we normally understand it, then the characterization
offered for education will suffice for distance education. (8
references)

Author(s):     Atman, Kathryn
Title:         Psychological Type Elements and Goal Accomplish-
               ment Style: Implications for Distance Education
Publ.:         American Journal of Distance Education  Vol. 2,
               No. 3
Pub. Yr.:      1988
Pages:         36-44
Abstract:      The capacity for self-management is crucial to the
success of individual performance in distance education programs.
Therefore, consideration of two related questions is mandatory:
(1) How can non-organizers be identified? and (2) what type of
orientation program, based on recognition of individual differ-
ences, should be designed for distance education learners? This
paper rests on the following three propositions: 1. Psychological
type (Jung 1971), as explicated by Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
(Myers 1976), provides a useful framework through which the
phenomenon of individual differences can be examined. 2. An
individual's goal accomplishment style (Atman 1987) provides a
means through which each individual's goal setting/accomplishment
potential can be reviewed. 3. The capacity to structure things,
space, and time contributes to each individual's measure of
success in educational settings. Such settings include those
found in distance education, where self-management (the predis-
position to organize/plan) is essential for course completion.
(Written by Author) (7 references)

Author(s):     Coldeway, Dan O.
Title:         Methodological Issues in Distance Educational
               Research
Publ.:         American Journal of Distance Education  Vol. 2,
               No. 3
Pub. Yr.:      1988
Pages:         45-54
Abstract:      Provides brief analysis of methods for conducting
research on distance education. Topics discussed include educa-
tion research in general; qualitative versus quantitative re-
search; the distinction between research and evaluation; the
concept of triangulation as a research method; component re-
search; and a conceptual framework for distance education re-
search. (ERIC #EJ384368) (14 references)

Author(s):     Chute, Alan G.; Bathazar, Lee B.; and Poston,
               Carol O.
Title:         Learning from Teletraining
Publ.:         American Journal of Distance Education  Vol. 2,
               No. 3
Pub. Yr.:      1988
Pages:         55-63
Abstract:      The article presents five years of experiences
from the National Teletraining Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. This
AT&T teleconferencing showcase center uses audio, audiographic,
and video media.The article includes experiences about instruc-
tional effectiveness, cost-benefit analyses, course and curricu-
lum development, instructor competencies, and media attributes.
The article also discusses some future research directions. (2
references)

Author(s):     Markowitz, Harold Jr.
Title:         Continuing Professional Development in Distance
               Education
Publ.:         American Journal of Distance Education  Vol. 2,
               No. 3
Pub. Yr.:      1988
Pages:         64-73
Abstract:      The article focuses on the development of leader-
ship in distance education. The following two questions are
discussed: "What should be done to assist professional staff in
acquiring the knowledge and honing the skills that will contrib-
ute to future success?" and "Is the current leadership effective
in supporting staff development and in sharing experiences and
values?" The discussion is basded on selected literature on
professional preparation in adult and continuing education and in
distance education. (23 references)

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