Stella Porto's List: distance education theory

"Abstract

Theories guide the practice and research of distance education. Traditionally, theories of distance education have been derived from classical European or American models based on correspondence study. Recently, telecommunications systems have significantly altered the practice of distance education in the United States and have produced a uniquely American approach to this field. This has created the need for a new theory to guide the practice of distance education. This theory, called Equivalency Theory, is described and compared to the historical theories of distance education.

Theory helps us bear our ignorance of fact.
G. Santayana, The Sense of Beauty

Introduction

Many cringe at the thought of a discussion of theory. This need not be the case. Theory is important to the study of distance education because it directly affects the practice of the field. Traditionally, theories of distance education have come from sources external to America. Recently, though, the field of distance education in the United States has matured to the point where indigenous definitions and theories have begun to emerge, most notably, theories based on the American system of education. Local control, classroom teachers, small classes, rapport between teacher and students, and highly personalized instruction are important characteristics of the American system of education. As advanced communications technologies become available, many educators have begun to advocate the need for forms of distance education that retain tradition al aspects of American education while taking advantage of the opportunities offered by telecommunications systems.

This paper will discuss both the need for theory and several tradition al theoretical approaches that have influenced the field. A distance education theory based on the American practice of education will be presented. The paper's purpose is to provide a summary and synthesis of the significant theories supporting the practice of distance education and to propose a new