Vision and Reality for Technology-Based Delivery Systems in Postsecondary Education.

Abstract

MF01/PCO2 Plus Postage. *Delivery Systems; Distance Education; Educational Finance; Educational Media; *Educational Technology; Educational Trends; Futures (of Society) ; Higher Education; Information Dissemination; information Technology; Needs Assessment; *Resource Allocation; State Regelation; *Technological Advancement; Technological Literacy; Technology Transfer; *Telecommunications This paper explores the implications of technological advancement and telecommunications services on postsecondary education, especially in relation to educational effectiveness, costs, increasing deregulation, and financing. Four scenarios illustrate different educational delivery modes. Comcon elements of educational delivery systems of the future include the unbounded fashion of delivery systems, the curriculum's high relevance to the world of work, its affordability, its provision of a much greater element of choice, and its learner-centered approach. Currently the major factors influencing technology development and application include vendors, early adopters, competition, student enthusiasm, and cost-cutting policymakers. Seven prerequisites are seen as necessary for implementing the vision of a national information infrastructure including ubiquitous systems, commitments to life-long learning, shifts from teacher-centered to learner-centered structures, re-engineered delivery systems, more customized intellectual content, productivity gains, and financing and regulatory reform. Policymakers are urged to consider goals before delivery systems, invest strategically, remember equity, focus on the learner, and press for partnership and collaboration. The paper concludes that, when instructional technology and change are properly mixed with the right amount and kind of faculty mediation, newer and I. er modes of delivery will result. (Contains 10 references.) (NAV) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************************** VISION AND REALITY FOR TECHNOLOGY-BASED DELIVERY SYSTEMS IN POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION F n,watior. Reseaff 1-0 EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION til< CENTER ERIC I P,,s document has been reprodryal ( ,ecn.ved from the porsw, onainaling P1 0 Minor changes have been made I, lelprove reproduction quality Points of view or opinuns stated .n document do not necessanly reprevvrt (Okra, OEM ROs'N'fi, Or P64C BEST COPY AVAILABLE 11111MMIIIMME