Learner support: The critical link in distance education

Abstract

This study evaluates the Oklahoma Televised Instruction System, through an analysis of the student support services to include the resources available to the learner, the communications process characterized by the coordination services provided among the on-campus and distance sites, and the communication process characterized by the mechanical and electronic transfer of information. The study also compares the attitudes and performance of the participating on-campus and distance students. According to Garrison and Baynton (1987), the learner support system comprises both resources the learner can access in order to carry out the learning process and resources which relate to the mediation of the communication process. The resources of the learning process apply to both distance and on-campus students and include the availability of and access to courses, teachers or facilitators, learning materials, library facilities, media equipment and community experts. Among these resources 'The role of the teacher/facilitator is of primary importance in the issue of support' (p. 7). The need for resources associated with the mediation process results from the geographic distance between the teacher and the learner, and requires some type of mechanical or electronic transfer of information through telecommunications or mail to carry out the two-way communication in the learning process. This study analyzes the learner support system in a state-wide distance education system from the perspective of the distance learner. As such, the study examines the attitudes of distance students in the Oklahoma Televised Instruction System toward the following: a) the resources available to the learner which are directly related to learning including availability of courses, access to learning materials, and opportunities for interaction among teachers and students; b) the recourses available to the learner which are indirectly related to learning and include counseling, advisement and job placement services; c) the communication process characterized by the co-ordination services provided among the sending an communication process relating to the mechanical and electronic transfer of information. Finally, the study compares the attitudes and performance of the participating on-campus and distance students toward the teaching-learning experience. The Oklahoma Televised instruction System (TIS) was established by the Oklahoma State Regents of Higher Education in 1970 in response to legislative mandate. This system, which links Oklahoma's public and private colleges and universities, junior colleges, and technical institutions has become an integral part of the State System of Higher Education.