Illuminating Primary Distance Education in Australia
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Peter C. Taylor [1]
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[1] Western Australian Institute of Technology, Australia
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- Localización: Innovations in education and teaching international, ISSN 1470-3297, Vol. 22, Nº 4, 1985, págs. 320-326
- Idioma: inglés
- Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
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Resumen
The launching of Australia's first communications satellite in 1985 is seen by many as heralding a new era for distance education in a country where the ‘tyranny of distance’ rules. This study was established to evaluate alternative strategies for improving the delivery of services to geographically isolated children enrolled in distance primary schools throughout Australia. It is argued that the quality of the isolated child's education is at risk if the ‘home tutor’ is not adequately supported by the school. Deficiencies in the availability and utilization of support services for home tutors have been identified. Improvements to both the efficiency and effectiveness of communications between home and school are shown to be necessary. ‘Electronic mailing’ systems may signal a new approach in which the relationship between the isolated child and the distance education teacher is strengthened, and the teaching role of the home tutor is diminished.
