The impact of satellite telecommunications on the university system in British Columbia : its effects on institutional organisation and curricula at the University of Victoria
Date
1984
Authors
Collins, Valerie A. C.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The study discusses the use of satellite telecommunications in British Columbia for Distance Education. It examines specifically the role of the Knowledge Network with its mandate to co-ordinate programmes and manage the telecommunication links for their transmittal.
The purpose of the study 1s twofold: (1) at the micro-level, to examine the effects of the technology, particularly live, interact1ve television, on the process and product of the curriculum, and (2) at the macro-level, to investigate the changes effected in the internal and external functions of the three universities, specifically to determine whether these institutions have become more 'open' and 'collaborative'.
Criteria for the assessment of Distance Education programmes and practices were drawn from the research in three areas: Learning Theory, Communication Theory and Adult Learning Through Educational Television. Knowledge Network administrators, practitioners and students were interviewed, and video-taped programmes and print materials reviewed. The process of Distance Education was found inconsistent with the literature in certain fundamental respects, notably in the constraints placed upon human interaction by the mediated environment, and the lack of an active or deep-level approach to learning. The product of Distance Education was found strong 1n coverage of content, but weak in presentation, particularly in the visual impact of telev1s1on programmes.
The internal organ1sat1onal structure of the universities was examined to see whether changes had been made as a result of their involvement in Distance Education. In spite of increasing recognition given to Distance Education within the individual universities, the institutions were found to be generally conservative and resistant to modification and there was little evidence of change in internal organisation. However, the universities have become increasingly collaborative in the development of jointly produced Distance Education programmes.