Bill Lynch, Associate Professor
Executive Director, Center for Distance and Mediated Learning
Director, Educational Technology Leadership Program
The George Washington University

Dr. Bill Lynch is an Associate Professor and the recently appointed Executive Director, Center for Distance and Mediated Learning at The George Washington University. Dr. Lynch is also the founding director of the distance learning program in Educational Technology Leadership at GWU. Under Dr. Lynch's leadership, the Educational Technology Leadership program has developed numerous innovative approaches to distance learning delivering graduate level education to over 200 matriculated students for the past ten years. Dr. Lynch has extensive experience in developing, implementing, and managing distance learning and was awarded the 1998 "Most Outstanding Achievement in Distance Learning" award by the United States Distance Learning Association.

Dr. Lynch holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum Theory and Development from the University of Maryland. Before coming to the George Washington University he taught at Trinity College, D.C., and in Iowa and South Carolina high schools.

Dr. Lynch addresses the topic listed above as well as education-related questions of a more general nature.

Dr. Lynch: Hello everyone, my name is Bill Lynch and I am the Director of the Center for Distance and Mediated Learning at The George Washington University. I am pleased to be on-line today and look forward to sharing some of our experiences in distance learning with you. Feel free to sumbit your questions and I will do the best I can to answer promptly and honestly.

washingtonpost.com Advertising: Dr. Lynch, please explain how GWU provides distance learning alternatives to traditional campus-based learning.

Dr. Lynch: GW utilizes a variety of communications technologies and methods to meet the needs of its students and other clients. For over 12 years GW has produced high quality satellite based teleconferencing and video tape based instructional materials. More recently GW has begun using ISDN based compressed video for two way audio-video connections between GW's campus locations and other organizations. Of course, the world wide web and web-based instruction is growing into one of our major systems for delivering asynchronous (anytime anyplace) instructional materials and activities

What is important to remember is that GW customizes its approaches to learning design to meet the needs of students and the requirements of content. If you have special needs be sure to ask how GW can address your interests.

Charleston, WV: What is GWU's most popoular distance education program and why?

Dr. Lynch: Coincidentally, for the past ten years I have directed a distance learning program titled "Educational Technology Leadership." This was the first degree program delivered interely at a distance by GW and has becomes increasingly popular over the years. Currently, there are over 1000 registrations per academic year and over 200 students from throughout North America actively taking coursework in pursuit of a Master's degree.

There are several other popular programs in Health Sciences, Program Management, Event Management, Public Health, Engineering which offer degrees and certificates. There are also many departmental offerings in specialized subject areas. Several programs and departments are also currently developing new distance learning initiatives.

Erie, Pennsylvania: I am a firm believer in extracurricular activities and strongly believe that a lot of learning happens outside of the classroom in different organizations on campus. Do you feel that people will miss out on opportunities that come along with being in the classroom and on campus?

Dr. Lynch: This is a great question! Often there are assumptions made about the qualities of the distance learning experience which can only be validated personally. My opinion is that there are terrific opportunities for socially based learning that can occur because of on-line communciation that are different but equally valuable to the face to face option.

A few of these positive experiences include anonymity, lack of racial and gender bias, and unlimited opportunities to express your opinion and ask your questions. I invite you to find your for yourself -- GW offers tutorials and orientation activities to help you aclimate to the distance learning experience.

Danbury, Connecticut: What is the difference between distance and mediated learning?

Dr. Lynch: Mediation is simply the process of representing knowledge and information in forms that can be transmitted over time and through space. Books represent an early form of mediation; others include film, audio recordings, graphics, animation, pictures, and so on. The fact that the world wide web can transmit much of this media easily and inexpensive to millions of people simutaneously is a big reason for its popularity.

Distance Learning, on the other hand, is what takes place when learners encounter mediated information at a place or time separated from an instructor. Both are necessary, but mediated learning can occur locally.

Washington, DC: What are the benefits of distance education?

Dr. Lynch: The benefits of distance learning center on providing (you the learner) with more control over the learning process. You gain control over when you learn, the pace at which you learn, and how much you contribute to class discussion. You also have greater access to your colleagues outside of the classroom for collaborative work, research, and support. Distance Learning also offers economy in terms of travel time, lost productivity time, and saving time to spend with your family. There are many more benefits, but generally it allows you to customize the learning experience to meet your personal and professional lifestyle.

Erie, Pa: As a follow up question, universities often are credited with liberalizing an individual. Helping them to become more accepting of diverse opinions. Can distance learning still offer an atmosphere that is conducive to that environment?

Dr. Lynch: Absolutely, there is more freedom of expression in distance learning environments (especially on-line conferencing) than in the traditional social environment of the classroom. Ideas can be presented for discussion without the bias of who presented them. Generally, there is very little that can't be done in a distance environment that can be accomplished in a traditional setting IF you have a skilled instructor and motivated students.

San Antonio, Texas: Can you complete an undergraduate degree through distance learning? Even take electives and class similar?

Dr. Lynch: You absolutely can complete undergraduate studies as well as graduate studies at GW as well as other universities. There are benefits in some programs for resident experiences and you should investigate these thorougly before deciding on a program or university.

The important thing is to identify what you want to accomplish, what resources you have, and whether your program of choice is offered at a distance.

Arlington, VA: How does GWU's distance learning program work? How does one apply? and How many years does it take for a normal student to complete the program?

Dr. Lynch: George Washington University offers many approaches to distance learning ranging from video based designed to web based design. As with all other GW programs you should call the department of choice and inquire about their distance learning alternatives, then proceed with the admissions process as any other student at the university. GW does not distinguish between distance students and campus based students. The degrees are the same, graduation is the same, status is the same -- the only thing that is different is the instructional method and the appropriateness of the program to your needs.

Herndon, VA: What is the profile of the Distance Learning student? Are there people from certain age groups and-or professions, for example, who seem to gravitate more to this type of educational environment?

Dr. Lynch: Honestly, the typical distance learning student is the individual who is best served by this approach to learning; they include individuals who live at inconvenient distances from their programs of choice, homebound, childcare providers, logistically challenged, and handicapped. Anyone can benefit from distance learning, but it requires self-discipline and motivation; perhaps this is why distance learning students succeed at a very high level of proficiency.

Silver Spring. MD: What are the minimal standards for personal computing literacy required to take your distance learning courses and can a student access through any internet provider?

Dr. Lynch: Although this varies from program to program, in general distance learning students should be able to use a contemporary personal computer system, aword-processor, a web-browser, upload-download-and manage files, and an e-mail program.

Beyond this individual programs may have additional requirements, but most will (and should) provide technical support as GW does.

Fairfax, Virginia: I have a hard time believing distance learning students have the same options of classes as campus based students. If I were to enroll as a distance learning student at GW, would I be able to take the same classes as a campus based student?

Dr. Lynch: You pose a legitimate question. Obviously, not every course is currently offered, but in a few years this may be very different. In the meantime, focus on what you are interested in and if you find a program of interest, most or all of those course WILL be offered in a method that meets your needs.

If GW does not offer what you need, ask anyway and maybe we can help you locate the right course or program for you.

washingtonpost.com Advertising: How does GWU demonstrate leadership in the field of distance and mediated learning?

Dr. Lynch: GW has demonstrated leadership in the field of distance learning through research, practice, and publication. For example, GW students and faculty have documented distance learner characteristic and faculty interests,implemented innovative technical approaches to delivering distance learning degree programs using multiple media,GW faculty have published widely adopted texts in distance learning, and trained a new generation of leaders in distance learning.

washingtonpost.com Advertising: How are you extending the benefits of GWU intellectual resources to previously underserved populations?

Dr. Lynch: A big commitment of GW is to make educational opportunties available to qualified prospective students unconstrained by geographic location, lifestyle, or ability to attend classes. Distance Learning offers many methods that can help extend the quality of a GW education around the world.

washingtonpost.com Advertising: That's all the time we have for today. Our thanks to Dr. Lynch and our viewers. Discussions Live will return tomorrow morning at 10am EST. See you then.