Selecting Media For Distance Education
By: Ely, Donald P
Summarized by
Suhail Naaman

Introduction:
This is a kind of learning where learning group is separate, and where interactive telecommunications systems are used to connect learners, resources, and instructors.
The following will show what the kind of Medias used is.

Online Learning is only one type of distance learning:
Online learning is another way to distance learning where the teacher does not meet the students face-to-face. Using the computers and the contemporary technological tools will enhance the process.

Print:
This kind of learning is called correspondence learning which is conducted largely by mail. Paper – books were being used so is now in addition to eBooks.

Radio and Telephone:
All learners have to listen to the radio at the same time, later on was replaced by phone conferences.

Audiotapes and Television:
This is another way of distance learning through disc recordings and recorded tapes.

Traditional versus distance education:
The computer has changed the traditional offerings of distance learning, now technology is more integrated than the traditional learning. Now they are using emails, chats, telephone conferences ---etc.

Selection of the appropriate Media:
This section depends on the objective of the course itself. If the course needs audio or printed materials or some instructional designs.

Conclusions:
“Special considerations for distance learning
· Determine your primary delivery approach.
· Review the course outline to determine where media can be used to facilitate learning.
· Ascertain availability of student access to the media selected.
· Locate appropriate resources to fit your objectives or plan to create them”.
Ely, Donald, P (2003)

References:
Ely, Donald P (2003). Selecting Media for Distance Education. Eric Digest.