Kathleen B. Davey

In the following viewpoint Kathleen B. Davey claims that the Internet is helping “distance learning,” or education that occurs away from campus, reach its full potential. According to Davey, distance learning has taken several forms throughout history. However, she argues, these earlier approaches, which included the use of videotaped lectures, did not allow for timely discussions between students and instructors. In contrast, Davey maintains, Internet tools such as bulletin boards and chatrooms allow for such communication while enabling students to learn at their own pace. Davey is the dean of instructional technology at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What is the oldest form of distance learning, as stated by Davey?
2. In Davey's opinion, why were interactive video systems problematic?
3. According to the...