Quotations About Distance Learning

Comments and observations on the importance of distance learning from politicians, educators and others

"The typical bachelor's degree recipient can expect to earn about 75 percent more over a 40-year working life than the typical high-school graduate. Average lifetime earnings for doctoral-degree recipients are between 2 1/2 and three times higher than average lifetime earnings for high-school graduates, and even higher for professional-degree recipients."
                                          - Jack P. Calareso, President of Anna Maria College

"Distance learning students are committed to their coursework, usually for the purpose of advancing in their careers. For this reason, you can expect quality work and diligent participation from students."
                        - Academic Technology Center, Worcester Polytechnic University

"Distance learning and broadband access to the world wide web of knowledge and information is the great equalizer. Maybe some day it will even move us towards world peace, environmental balance, and personal fulfillment."
                        - Gordon P. Hanson , IT Management Consultant, DOA TEACH

"In my experience, it takes about twice as long — prep time, putting materials together — to actually deliver the online course than it does to deliver the on-campus course."
                         - Denise Keele, professor of environmental policy, quoted on
                              npr.com

"It is virtually impossible to engage students in purposeful and meaningful inquiry without the Internet and communication technologies to precipitate and sustain discourse that is central to higher order learning. Well-designed blended learning can be a much more engaged and meaningful learning experience than sitting passively in a lecture hall."
                         - Dr. Randy Garrison and Norman Vaughan, academics & authors
                              of "Blended Learning in Higher Education: Framework,
                              Principles, and Guidelines"

"They're right there. They're listening. And they like talking to each other, typing to each other. That, I think, is a big attraction, because they get to engage real time with the other students as much as with me."
                         - Sarah Cordell, professor, University of Illinois, quoted on
                              npr.com