Issues and Concerns of Directors of Postsecondary Distance Learning Programs Regarding Online Methods and Technologies

Abstract

This study, a naturalistic inquiry conducted between 2002 and 2005, presents an integrated portrayal of issues and concerns of twenty-seven directors of postsecondary distributed/distance learning programs as well as the results of a survey that examined technology utilization and methods in 316 postsecondary schools. The major issues and concerns that emerged from the interviews included worries about planning and integrating future changes in technology, Digital Divide issues, ongoing cost of content creation, and vendor lock-in. Emerging during the analysis of the survey of methods and technology utilization was awareness of what technology or methods were not being used as compared with previous studies showing what technology was being used for distance education.