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Distance learning plays a significant role in Purdue University’s instructional mission. Last year 13,120 learners participated in 136 West Lafayette-based distance learning programs in which learners are removed from the instructor and the campus instructional setting. 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 Division of Continuing Education in cooperation with the academic units. CE assists faculty in conceptualizing, developing, delivering, and administering distance learning activities. Programs to enhance faculty use of distance learning strategies are offered by 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, Purdue students took over 80 courses from 26 Indiana institutions/campuses through ICN, with an average of 500 students participanting in distance learning each semester. IHETS also sponsors distance learning development grants that have provided Purdue faculty over $407,000 in support over the past six years, including over $63,000 in 2002-2003.

Distance learning programs offered by Purdue faculty this past year were received at a variety of sites: post-secondary institutions; PK-12 schools; Cooperative Extension Offices; industry/ manufacturing sites; government offices; and other sites such as hospitals and community learning centers.

Purdue campus 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 CE-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 2002-03

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

Source: Office for Continuing Education and Conferences