EDIZIONE LA CREAZIONE's Distance Education System (D.E.S.)

Within a context of rapid technological change and shifting market conditions, the EDIZIONI LA CREAZIONE education system is challenged with providing increased educational opportunities without increased budgets. At its most basic level, distance education takes place when a teacher and student(s) are separated by physical distance, and technology (i.e., data, and print), often in concert with face-to-face communication, is used to bridge the instructional gap. These types of programs can
a) provide adults with a second chance,
b) reach those disadvantaged by limited time, distance or physical disability, and
c) update the knowledge base of workers at their places of employment.
Our distance education programs begin with careful planning and a focused understanding of course requirements and student needs. Appropriate technology can only be selected once these elements are understood in detail. There is no mystery to the way effective distance education programs develop. They don't happen spontaneously; they evolve through the hard work and dedicated efforts of many individuals and organizations. In fact, our successful distance education programs rely on the consistent and integrated efforts of students, faculty, and support staff.

The following briefly describes the roles of these key players in the distance education enterprise and the challenges they face:
a) Students - Meeting the instructional needs of students is the cornerstone of every effective distance education program, and the test by which all efforts in the field are judged. Regardless of the educational context, the primary role of the student is to learn. This is a daunting task under the best of circumstances, requiring motivation, planning, and an ability to analyze and apply the instructional content being taught. When instruction is delivered at a distance, additional challenges result because students are often separated from others sharing their backgrounds and interests, have few if any opportunities to interact with teachers outside of class, and must rely on technical linkages to bridge the gap separating class participants.
b) Faculty - The success of any distance education effort rests squarely on the shoulders of the faculty. In a traditional classroom setting, the instructor's responsibility includes assembling course content and developing an understanding of student needs. Special challenges confront those teaching at a distance. For example, the instructor must:
- Develop an understanding of the characteristics and needs of distant students with little first-hand experience and limited, if any, face-to-face contact.
- Adapt teaching styles taking into consideration the needs and expectations of multiple, often diverse, audiences.
- Develop a working understanding of delivery technology, while remaining focused on their teaching role.
- Function effectively as a skilled facilitator as well as content provider.
c) Support Staff - These individuals are the silent heroes of the distance education enterprise and ensure that the myriad details required for program success are dealt with effectively. Most successful distance education programs consolidate support service functions to include student registration, materials duplication and distribution, textbook ordering, securing of copyright clearances, facilities scheduling, processing grade reports, etc.. Support personnel are truly the glue that keeps the distance education effort together and on track.

The effectiveness of EDIZIONI LA CREAZIONE D.E.S.

Research comparing distance education to traditional face-to-face instruction indicates that teaching and studying at a distance can be as effective as traditional instruction, when our method and technologies used are appropriate to the instructional tasks, and when there is timely teacher-to- student feedback.

How is EDIZIONI LA CREAZIONE's D.E.S delivered?

In the week preceding the beginning of the course, you will receive by mail a printed handout that will contain all the information relevant to this particular course. This hand-out will include a map with the course structure, a provisional timetable (provisional since the course is flexible and timetable because the student is expected to meet some deadlines) and a key to the homework. In the same package you will find material taken from our textbooks (which you will need for reference and to do your homework) and the audio tapes.
All the information relevant to the course will also be available on the course web page. The reason we are sending it to you in printed form is because firstly, you won't need a printer and secondly, this will give you the flexibility in browsing through its content.
One technological option is available to the distance educator :Data - Computers send and receive information electronically. For this reason, the term "data" is used to describe this broad category of instructional tools.

What is the key to the effectiveness of EDIZIONI LA CREAZIONE's D.E.S.?

The key to the effectiveness of our distance education system is focusing on the needs of the learners, the requirements of the content, and the constraints faced by the teacher, before selecting a delivery system. Typically, this systematic approach will result in a mix of media, each serving a specific purpose. For example:
i) A strong print component can provide much of the basic instructional content in the form of a course text, as well as readings, the syllabus, and day-to-day schedule.
ii) Electronic mail can be used to send messages, assignment feedback, and other targeted communication to one or more class members.
iii) Fax can be used to distribute assignments, last minute announcements, to receive student assignments, and to provide timely feedback. Using this approach, the educator's task is to carefully select among the technological options. The goal is to build a mix of instructional media, meeting the needs of the learner in a manner that is instructionally effective and economically prudent.

Oral Contact

Students should choose one of the ways for the oral contact with his/her tutor:
1.You will need a telephone to make 10 phone calls, 9 during the course and 1 for the final exam. You can electronically sign the oral contact schedule choosing the day and the time that best suit you.The oral contact will be approximately 10 minutes long and the final exam 20-30 minutes.
2.You will receive an audio tape where the tutor will have stated his/her questions. Right after each question you must record your answer in a limited time.Then you must send the audio tape and the written material to EDIZIONI LA CREAZIONE.

e-mail: edlacrea@otenet.gr