Kennesaw State University: Distance Learning as a Cost-Effective Measure

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Kennesaw State University: Distance Learning as a Cost-Effective Measure

5/30/2003

A Multimedia Approach
The results are evident: The drop rate from hybrid and distance learning courses has been comparable to those of conventional course instruction, says Manning. She believes that both the increasing effectiveness of the technologies and an accelerating familiarity with the process of electronically teaching and learning have contributed to the distance learning program's success. "There's going to be early adopters on both sides, students and teachers," she observes. "But at some point, the level of comfort in doing it this way begins to even out."

cast:stream's multimedia approach has helped this process considerably, Manning explains. The system's ability to present real-time graphics and live presentations—in sync with video and audio—keeps the informational exchange process seamless. The system's integrated IM chat capability allows for real-time dialog exchange between the instructor/moderator and students in various locations on campus and at home.

Manning appreciates the support for widely accepted graphics and presentation programs and platforms that cast:stream supports, including PowerPoint and QuickTime. She also looks forward to the integration of even more broadly used presentation elements into systems like these, particularly tactile elements such as electronic whiteboards. The enthusiastic student response to the use of interactive teaching systems, combined with the power of third-party software, has led the school to consider a pilot program in which instructor aides work with teachers and moderators in handling what is becoming a dense flow of two-way information. "As the teacher is going through the presentation, he or she may sometimes need help moderating the flow on Instant Messages coming from students that the teacher needs to respond to," Manning explains.

Faculty and students are quickly becoming acculturated to the notion of technology-based learning, and the bottlenecks in the information flow are being ironed out with a combination of new techniques and a broader array of editing products. But the immediate impact of the economic benefit of systems such as cast:stream are perhaps more obvious in contrast to a difficult economy which is seriously affecting the education sector.

"It answers a huge and growing need in the entire economy," says Manning. "More students understand the need to get advanced degrees, but also have to work while they're pursuing them. The demand is there to get coursework into a virtual domain. Fortunately, the tools to do that effectively are now here and getting better all the time."

For more information, contact Lisa Manning (lmanning@kennesaw.edu), director of instructional technology at Kennesaw State University.

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"Kennesaw State University: Distance Learning as a Cost-Effective Measure," Campus Technology, 5/30/2003, http://www.campustechnology.com/article.aspx?aid=39392

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