Rudy Arias
August 11, 2010
EDTEC 541 – Journal Article Summary

APA Reference:
Sandra Frieden, Ph.D. Support Services for Distance Education. Journal of Education Technology & Society, 2(3), 1-7.

Problem: Deciding for the appropriate distance learning technology in the
University of Houston System has brought forward the same questions we face
here at San Diego State University. Which technology would be best to adopt for the future? Who will train faculty, staff and students? Who will support distance learning? The author proposes a combination of elements that can help any Institution prepare for distance education and support services.

Context: The case study does not state the exact date(s) within the article, although the article itself points out technology used during 1999 – 1997.

The University of Houston System resides in the fourth largest city of the United States along with three other traditional universities, which include: University of Houston-Clear Lake, University of Houston-Victoria and University of Houston-Downtown. All four universities have targeted their communities to develop and implement distance education for those who cannot attend a face-to-face instruction. Based on the needs of the community and institution, each campus has developed their own distance education program. All four institutions made note that the quality of instruction will not degrade over distance education. Therefore, support services and infrastructure would be developed paralleled to the growth of distance education. Emphasizing on a successful implementation requires experienced distance educators, administration and faculty commitment, as well as a support service center.

Findings: Throughout the development of distance education, the University of Houston System realized the need of instructional designers to train faculty and staff. New technology such as lecture capture spiked and increased student enrollment. Realizing the potential for distance learning, the University of Houston System recognized the need for new facilities such as an Instructional Technology Center.

Recommendations: I coincide with the author in this case because I find myself working for new facilities such as the ones that have been developed through the need of emerging technology such as: distance education. This article proves why emerging technology is in need for instructional designers to develop and expand online/distance education. Here at San Diego State, we can relate to the article as we are currently realizing the growth and need of course development via distance education.