Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of using Tele-health technology to teach three teachers in a rural school district the basics of a mindfulness-based procedure, measure the fidelity of the teachers teaching the procedure to a student in their class, and to assess the effectiveness of the students' use of the…

Reviews the literature on distance learning. Devotes particular attention to the telecourse and the role two-way communication plays in distance learning effectiveness. Concludes that a broad theoretical framework that can be applied to distance learning is lacking and needed. Suggests needed research. (JOW)

Discusses the benefits and disadvantages of television as a learning medium for adults. Concludes that television's positive benefits outweigh the negative effects, provided that the medium is seen as just one part of a larger whole. (CH)

Discusses the difficulties in attracting and preparing special educators in the area of severe disabilities. A University of North Carolina at Charlotte program that uses distance learning to prepare special educators to work with students with severe disabilities is described, along with the benefits of distance learning. (CR)

Presents results from a study of the status of distance education in community colleges. Discusses the design, support, and administration of telecourses; staffing and teacher training practices; course offerings; and existing assessment and evaluation studies. Addresses criticisms of distance education and cites research results on its…

The Off-Campus Degree Program at Linfield College (Oregon) provides quality coursework to a group of part-time adult students who would not otherwise have access to a four-year degree program. In 1980, Linfield joined six other institutions to form the National University Consortium (NUC), the first national organization of colleges and…

Describes five telecommunications delivery systems offered or planned by Rio Salado Community College: cassette copies of radio/television courses in public libraries; "live" cable television; print-based correspondence courses; audio teleconferencing; and slow-scan video. Underscores the importance of administrative support, faculty…

Presents the results of two surveys conducted to evaluate distance education courses offered at a community college: one of students who enrolled in, but did not complete, a distance education course; and one of the faculty and administrators involved in telecourse planning and delivery. Describes how the results were used to improve the programs.…

The Early Intervention Special Education Program at West Virginia University developed, implemented, and evaluated a distance education model using satellite broadcasts of coursework and supervised practicum experiences to train early interventionists. Program success suggests that emerging telecommunications technologies offer a feasible…

This study examined perceptions of 12 students of a distance education training program in teaching students with visual impairments. Participants discussed their experiences with courses delivered via interactive video, over the Internet, and by live instructors. Participants had a strong preference for interaction with the instructor and other…

Presents results of a four-year longitudinal study of a group of two-year college students who selected at least one telecourse during their first term. Examines student characteristics, retention, academic progress, graduation rates, and continued enrollment in telecourses to determine the effectiveness and impact of the delivery system. (DMM)

A total of 155 educators in rural Kentucky participated in 4 inservice education sessions on learning disabilities and adaptive teaching, delivered via an interactive telecommunications network. Participants' reactions indicated that interactive television was an acceptable format for delivery of inservice education. (Author/JDD)

Discusses supervised correspondence education for both teachers and students to complement conventional classrooms and expand secondary curriculum for rural schools. Recommends needs assessment; checking availability of needed materials; sharing material among schools; course scheduling to assure students of regualar supervision and assistance;…