CONTENTS

WELCOME - Welcome to fall semester
UPFRONT - A DESIEN participant comment
IN PERSPECTIVE I - Deception - nothing new
IN PERSPECTIVE II - Diffusion of Learning - nothing new
FOCUS - "Flexible Learning"
CAMPUS UPDATE - add new information
DE CLEARINGHOUSE, NETNEWS - "Distance Education Course References"
FUNDING UPDATE - System, ECB, ETB and WATF, Funding $ourcebook
FYI - news and reminders
ENDNOTE - "Is Technology Defining a New Type of Person?" Cont'd.

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WELCOME - Welcome to fall semester. As classes begin next week, many faculty who have been participants in the Instructional Communications Systems (ICS) and other training workshops will be teaching via distance learning technology for the first time. Let us know about your progress via the DESIEN ListServ. And - if you would like to write a FOCUS article for a future DESIEN issue - call 608-262-7524 or e-mail lehman@ics.uwex.edu
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UPFRONT - I received an August 9th E-mail from Kathleen Paris, Office of Quality Improvement, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Kathleen was a presenter at the 1994 Distance Education Symposium and is a DESIEN ListServ participant. Kathleen gave permission to print
the following:

"I have been enjoying your electronic newsletter and keeping a file on it. Now it looks like I will have an opportunity to use it all! I am involved in an effort to create distance learning opportunities for a new group of 'students'--departmental secretaries, administrators and administrative staff in the University. We have a little seed money, but it won't go far...
Any advice you can give about securing funds would be very much appreciated." (see FUNDING UPDATE for the information sent to Kathleen)

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IN PERSPECTIVE I - There is an increasing amount of concern about deceptive practices in telecommunications, particularly now that educational institutions, the general public and our young people have been able to obtain easier access. While this is certainly an area in which we need to be constantly concerned and to raise awareness, William Mitchell, in "City of Bits: Space, Place and the Infobahn,"* notes that deceptive practices, in the use of technology, are nothing new.

When the telephone was invented, he states, it wasn't long before people began to take advantage of the elimination of visual cues, and people's inexperience in dealing with this, to set up swindles. Eventually these swindlers became known as "phonies", a term we still use today.
The more things change, the more they stay the same.

*1995, Cambridge: MIT Press

IN PERSPECTIVE II - In a similar vein - Increasingly we are hearing the term "revolutionary" used to describe distance learning and its methods. Steven Eskow, President of the Electronic University Network (August 2, DEOS-L) challenges this choice of terms. "The tradition of the 'diffusion of learning' into every nation, hamlet, every workplace, every home is an ancient one. Indeed, the history of societies for the diffusion of useful learning is long and rich...

"Socrates was an early practitioner of 'anytime,anywhere' learning...Cotton Mather created study circles...Benjamin Franklin modeled The Junto on Mather's study circles...He also developed the first subscription library in the US and the library movement as we know it is also a part of the 'anytime, anywhere' learning movement...Jefferson and Franklin (were instrumental) in creating universities--intentional learning communities...University Extension is part of our tradition of efforts to move learning from where it is generated and housed to where people live and work and congregate...The 'agricultural extension' movement is still alive and part of the diffusion of the useful knowledge movement ..Correspondence education, radio and television education, these
too are attempts to add new resources to an old tradition of making knowledge available to those who need it. Without formal acknowledgement the telephone on the desk has become an 'anytime, anywhere' learning system.

"What we are about then is hardly new. We are merely carrying out the work of (those who preceded us.) There are new tools that make it possible to do that work in ways that were not available to them, but that they would admire and approve. So we acknowledge the lessons they have taught us and the visions they have given us and continue to carry on their work...What we are about is rooted in our traditions."

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FOCUS

"Flexible Learning - Alternative Learning Environments"

Adapted from articles by: Marin Tengler, Graduate Assistant-Dean's Office CEE, UWEX; Erick Harris, Summer Intern-Dean's Office CEE, UWEX and Kay Taube, Senior Program Development Specialist, CEE, UWEX

The University of Wisconsin has been a leader in distance learning for over 100 years, offering Independent Learning's correspondence study courses to those unable to travel to a campus. In January of this year, a new unit within the Division of Continuing Education Extension (CEE) began operation - Flexible Learning. Working with Independent Learning (also a unit in CEE), Flexible Learning is developing courses and updating existing correspondence programs to reach learners who, for a variety of reasons, will forward assignments via e-mail, meet with fellow independent learners in computer "chat rooms" or browse the World Wide Web (WWW) for supplementary course materials. CEE Dean, Mike Offerman, describes Flexible Learning and its relationship to Independent Learning as similar to a research and development unit within business and industry.

According to Flexible Learning Director, Richard Schafer, the new unit provides alternative learning environments to people seeking professional and personal development. By recognizing that each learner has a variety of unique needs and wants, Flexible Learning aims to place the psychological need, learning style and environment of the student at the center of the educational experience. Programs feature three distinct characteristics: clearly defined learner goals, diverse media and technology and structured student support. "We can better meet the needs and wants of the student through knowing about diverse learning styles and integrating cutting-edge technology into the learning experience," says Schafer.

Flexible Learning is an approach to 21st century learning that links best contemporary practices in adult learning with emerging learning technologies. Unlike textbook based courses, Schafer states, "...today's technology enables us to design and update course materials both effectively and efficiently." Flexible Learning incorporates regular and systematic revision on content, delivery styles and technology applications.

During its initial months of operation, Flexible Learning has focused on creating WWW versions of several business courses, making these courses available to learners at their work sites or in their homes. "Mastering Your Small Business" offers a comprehensive series of courses leading to a certificate for business owners, managers and individuals wishing to increase proficiencies. Flexible Learning also provides additional certificate programs in the areas of Accounting, Personnel Management, General Business and Small Business Operations.

In addition, technology, commonly utilized in science and engineering courses, has great potential to enrich business and humanities curricula. Expanding the array of courses into the liberal arts arena, Flexible Learning is developing arts and humanities courses to include: Art History, Civil War History, Performance Art: Learning to Dance and Technical Japanese. Most of these courses are multimedia, combining audio, video and print components and allowing for interaction with both the instructor and fellow learners.

Among the strengths of Flexible Learning are the ability to adapt and grow in a rapidly changing environment and to form strategic partnerships. The Independent Learning Program works in close cooperation with Flexible Learning, providing staff, student advising, registration, materials distribution and liaison to faculty. Faculty who develop Flexible Learning courses are located throughout the UW System and, in some instances, at other colleges and universities throughout the world. The unit also collaborates with business and professional associations. Some current partners include: Upstart Publishing, Lotus Institute/IBM Education, the National Association of Purchasing Managers and the National Association of Parliamentarians. Partnerships are being negotiated with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Buckman Laboratories International and the Dutch Open University.

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CAMPUS UPDATE

(Please add new information about your institution's distance education progress below.)

UW CENTERS -

UW-EAU CLAIRE -

UW-GREEN BAY -

UW-LA CROSSE -

UW-MADISON -

UW-MILWAUKEE -

UW-OSHKOSH -

UW-PLATTEVILLE -

UW-RIVER FALLS -

UW-PARKSIDE -

UW-STEVENS POINT -

UW-STOUT -

UW-SUPERIOR -

UW-WHITEWATER -

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FROM THE DISTANCE EDUCATION CLEARINGHOUSE
NETNEWS

Michele Jacques

"Distance Education Course References"

Distance Education Clearinghouse on the web at:
http://www.uwex.edu/disted/home.html

Every day messages from all over the world are sent to the the Distance Education Clearinghouse website. Many of these messages are from people who are seeking distance education course information. Here is a list of references which may be of help to anyone wishing to find out how to locate distance education programs and courses:

John Bear and Mariah P. Bear. Bears' Guide to Earning Non-Traditional College Degrees. Ten Speed Press, Berkeley CA ISBN 0-9629312-3-3. (1-800-841-BOOK) The main focus of this book is on accredited schools and programs (more than 500 of them). There is a separate and distinct section on unaccredited schools and a third section which identifies disreputable organizations.

The Electronic University. A Guide to Distance Learning Programs Peterson's Guides. ISBN 1-56079-139-X This book profiles colleges nationwide that deliver degree and professional certificate programs by satellite transmission, cable, broadcast television, computer, or other electronic means into the home and the workplace. Further information about how to obtain the book is available from Peterson's Online Catalog:
http://www.petersons.com/catalog/indstdy.html

Dan Corrigan. The Internet University: College Courses by Computer. Cape Software, Harwich MA ISBN 0-9648112-0-0. (email: books@caso.com) The book provides a listing of online college courses and profiles over thirty accredited online course providers. There is also a companion web site which links to more than 2,000 Internet study resource sites.
http://www.caso.com/

The World Lecture Hall website is arranged by subject:
http://www.utexas.edu/world/lecture/
It contains links to pages created by faculty worldwide who are using the Web to deliver class materials. For example, you will find course syllabi, assignments, lecture notes, exams, class calendars, multimedia textbooks, etc. It is maintained by the University of Texas-Austin.

Information about correspondence courses is available from the University of Wisconsin-Extension's Independent Learning program's website:
http://www.uwex.edu/ilearn/

They offer over 600 courses for university, high school, continuing education, and vocational-technical credit. The University of Wisconsin-Extension's Flexible Learning unit offers courses via the web. Their site can be found at:
http://www.uwex.edu/ilearn/courses/menu-d.htm

The Distance Learning Booklist is a web page which provides references to books and journals which may be of interest. It has been compiled by Rita Laws and can be found at:
http://pages.prodigy.com/PAUM88A/dlbook.htm

Lifelong Learning maintains the "Shuttle Bus to Online Colleges and Training Institutes" web page It is designed to let you take a quick trip around the growing number of virtual campuses and classrooms on the Information Superhighway.
http://www.together.com/~lifelong/dlsites.html

Lifelong Learning also provides college and career consulting services to help people find programs of interest.

As always, please be sure to send me your comments, suggestions, and questions about the Distance Education Clearinghouse. I can be reached at: jacques@ics.uwex.edu or by phone at (608)265-6178. Thank you.

Michele Jacques
Project Coordinator, WWW
Distance Education Clearinghouse
Instructional Communications Systems
University of Wisconsin-Extension

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FUNDING UPDATE

"Systemwide Grant Proposals and Format" - The University of Wisconsin System will again be inviting proposals for grants from UW System institutions for three Grant Programs:

The Undergraduate Initiative: supports innovative projects that would improve undergraduate teaching and/or learning.

The Business Education Fund: available to UW System institutions with master's level business programs to support UW System business programs. Private matching funds are required for these grants.

The Engineering & Technology Fund: supports initiatives that enhance UW System Engineering programs.

The formal Request for Proposals (RFP) will be sent to Vice Chancellors in the early Fall. Further information on funding, grant requirements and guidelines will be available at that time. Proposals will be due to System Administration through your Vice Chancellor in the Spring of 1997. For further information, please E-mail Bob Jokisch of UW System Administration at bjokisch@ccmail.uwsa.edu or call (608) 262-5450.

"ECB Grant Proposals" - The Wisconsin Educational Communications Board (ECB) has issued an RFP to award approximately $107,000 during calendar year 1997 for distance education grants. Grants for up to 50% of project costs will be awarded on a competitive basis and must be matched by the applicant by cash or in-kind contributions, or a combination of both. Guidelines should be "requested" by August 30. Proposals are due September 30, 1996. To request guideline, E-mail Karen Brown at: kbrown@mail.state.wi.us

"ETB and WAFT Grant Proposals Due November 29, 1996" - The dead- line date of November 29 (the last of a cycle of four) applies to both the Educational Technology Board (ETB) and Wisconsin Advanced Telecommunications Foundation (WATF) proposals. ETB grants provide both cash and loan funding to implement, expand or participate in an educational technology or distance education project. WATF grants provide cash and/or in-kind contribution grants to establish and administer an endowment fund to support advanced telecommunications technology application projects and efforts to educate telecommunications users about advanced telecommunications service. For further information - Call Todd Penske, Executive Director at 608-266-7878.

"Funding $ourcebook" - Arlene Krebs "1996 Distance Learning Funding $ourcebook" guides readers through the funding priorities of major philanthropic and government agencies supporting telecommunications and technology for K-12, higher education, libraries, arts and culture organizations, health care and social service agencies. It also includes detailed information on how to write funding proposals. For further information - Call Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company at 1-800-228-0810.
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FYI

NEWS AND REMINDERS:

COPYRIGHT - Standford University Libraries & Academic Information Resources, in collaboration with the Council on Library Resources and FindLaw Internet Legal Resources, are sponsors of the Copyright & Fair Use site on the WWW. As well as providing copyright and fair use interpretation, this Web site includes links that provide users with access to an array of primary materials concerning fair use and copyright and to current legislation, legal cases and issues. The site address is - http://fairuse.stanford.edu/

ICS Training Workshops - For institutions and faculty in need of audio- graphics or compressed video training workshops for spring courses and programs, now is the time to schedule. For information about training workshops - Call ICS at 608-262-4342.

NEW DISTANCE LEARNING CATALOG - The new ICS Fall, 1996 Distance Learning Catalog (formerly the Teleconference Times) is now out, complete with distance learning course and program schedules and sidebar highlights. It includes expanded listings of credit and non-credit programs offered via distance learning technologies by UW System institutions. If you have not received a catalog, contact you Continuing Education office or - Call ICS at 608-262-4342.

NEW PUBLICATION - ICS has recently published "The Essential Compressed Video Guide: 7 Keys to Success." This Guide has been developed for faculty and trainers who have been asked to instruct via compressed video. It will also be a practical resource for the full distance education team including administrators.

Other distance education publications available through ICS are: "Breaking New Ground: Faculty Perspectives", a 32 min. videotape/print package that focuses on five UW faculty who have successfully taught via compressed video and "Bridging the Distance", a book designed to help people plan, present and evaluate interactive audioconferencing programs and maximize participant satisfaction. For further information - Call ICS at 608-262-4342.

MAINE CONFERENCE - The University of Maine at Augusta, will hold its 10th Annual Conference Sept. 26, 27 and 28, 1996. The Conference theme is, "Yesterday's Dreams Are Today's Reality: Quality and Access in Distance Education and Training" - Call 207-621-3170.

TELELEARNING '96 - "Distance Education - the New Focus" is scheduled for October 2-5, 1996, Chicago, Illinois - Call 1-800-988- 4555.

WETC - Over 120 proposals have been received for the Wisconsin Educational Technology Conference (WETC), scheduled for October 8-10, 1996, Green Bay, Wisconsin. The purpose of the conference is to advance the application of technology at all levels of education and training (pre-kindergarten through adult) in instruction, curriculum, learning resources, special needs, administration and planning - Call Sandra Carman at 608-266-0001.

TELECON XVI - "Connecting to the Desktop," October 29-31,1996, Anaheim, California - Call 1-800-829-3400.

PEDAGOGY CONFERENCE - The Sixth Annual Conference of the Institute for The Study of Postsecondary Pedagogy, The School of Education will be held at The State University of New York at New Paltz, November 20-22, 1996. The theme for the conference is "Instructional Technology, Pedagogy and the Curriculum: Rethinking the Teaching and Learning Process" - Call 914-257-3590.

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ENDNOTE: " Is Technology Defining a New Type of Person?" Cont'd.


Rosemary Lehman

All tools bring with them the potential for change. Media and technologies are tools that hold that same potential. In the words of Steve Eskow (DEOS-L July 31, 1996) these new tools "...shape us as we use (them)... shape our psyches, (the way in which) we intuit space and time."

Because media and technologies are components of the systems in which we live, the changes and reshaping they produce impact on the other components in our systems. They shape and reshape our institutions - our modern university is, in fact, a direct result of that shaping by the culture of print. They shape and reshape demographics and communities. This is especially evident when we look at the online world that is transforming our economy and creating "virtual" institutions and companies, as well as, virtual communities. And, as we continue to interact with these electronic tools in our changing environments, we continue to change. Technology "is defining" a new type of person, as tools always have.

Educators have a unique opportunity to help harness and direct that change and to play a critical role in the "defining" process. By thinking of technologies as new tools in their repertoire and by gaining experience with these tools, educators can begin to look for ways to better match individual learner needs, styles and objectives; more effectively meet the needs of diverse learner populations; more directly stimulate deeper levels of understanding and higher levels of mastery; more easily motivate learners to become engaged and involved; more broadly increase the potential for access and...enhance the face-to-face experiences in classrooms as well. In addition, educators will begin to see ways in which the wide spectrum of teaching and learning opportunities can fit together.

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SEPTEMBER ISSUE FOCUS: "Sharing Courses Across State Boundaries."

OCTOBER ISSUE: DESIEN Pilot Project Evaluation
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DESIEN ARCHIVE: An Archive has been created for past issues and interaction comments. Locate at: http://www.uwex.edu/disted/desien/

DESIEN has been created to encourage information exchange and discussion of distance education issues concerned with: 1) Symposium team progress and institution course/program development, 2) faculty/ team development, 3)technology, 4) policy, 5) funding and 6) research among participants, presenters and organizers of the 1994 UW-Extension/UW System Distance Education Symposium. Other List recipients are also welcome to join in with information contributions and discussion.

Each monthly issue will focus on an "area of interest", feature a regular column on the Distance Education Clearinghouse by Michele Jacques, contain an FYI section, and list future areas of focus. Your continuous input through updates, features, questions and dialogue will be instrumental in helping DESIEN evolve and grow.

DESIEN is a one-year pilot project, September, 1995 to September, 1996 and will be evaluated at the end of that time. The coordinators of DESIEN are Pat Takemoto and Rosemary Lehman. The owner of DESIEN is Rosemary Lehman, lehman@ics.uwex.edu. Please contact Rosemary if you have concerns or problems. ListServ: DESIEN-List@uwex.edu