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Distance learning plays a significant role in Purdue University’s instructional mission. Last year, 9,505 learners participated in 132 West Lafayette-based distance learning programs in which learners are separated from instructors by place or time or both. These include credit and noncredit courses delivered by satellite television, two-way videoconferencing, videotape, the Internet, and correspondence. Learners include college students, engineers, school administrators, pest control and healthcare workers, and others. In accordance with Purdue’s March 2000 "Strategic Plan for Distance Learning," distance learning programs are administered for the University by the Center for Lifelong Learning in cooperation with the academic units. CLL assists faculty in conceptualizing, developing, delivering, and administering distance learning activities. Programs to enhance faculty use of distance learning strategies are offered by CLL and the Multimedia Instructional Development Center.

Purdue participates with other Indiana colleges and universities in the Indiana Higher Education Telecommunication System (IHETS), a statewide network that delivers distance learning. IHETS’ Indiana College Network (ICN) makes the distance learning programs of all Indiana institutions accessible to learners. Last year, 265 Purdue students participated in ICN courses. IHETS also sponsors distance learning development grants that have provided Purdue faculty over $244,000 in support over the past four years.

The number of distance learning credit courses offered by Purdue faculty continues to increase each semester. Last year the Commission for Higher Education approved the offering of Purdue’s associate degree in veterinary technology via the Internet; the entire 70-credit hour program is expected to be online by fall 2003. In addition to formal distance learning programs, Purdue faculty use distance learning strategies to enhance over 800 on-campus courses.

Purdue facilities for video-based distance learning include four electronic classroom studios. In addition, portable equipment allows almost any campus classroom to be used for distance learning. The CLL-operated Student Learning Center provides facilities in which students may participate in distance learning courses offered by Purdue and other institutions.

For more information about distance learning at Purdue, visit www.cll.purdue.edu.

Purdue Distance Learning in 2000-01

Purdue Degrees Delivered
by Distance Learning Technology

Veterinary Technology
   Associate of Science

Engineering
   Master of Science
   Master of Science in Engineering
   Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
   Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
   Master of Science in Industrial Engineering

Management
   Master of Business Administration

Technology
   Master of Science

Education
   Doctor of Philosophy