Distributed Education Technology at Marshall University

Distributed Education Technology: Those technologies used to deliver educational content to learners despite barriers of space or time. Technologies, both synchronous and a-synchronous, that deliver classes, research, or information without face to face interaction. These technologies include the World Wide Web, Interactive Video, Satellite Broadcasts, Video Streaming, and Online Classes. Often confused with distance education, Distributed Education does not limit itself to providing access for students at a distance. Many of Marshall's Distributed Education students live on campus but due to scheduling conflicts cannot attend a traditional section of a course so instead opt for an online class that gives them the flexibility to work around their schedule.

Background: Marshall has always been a leader in the application of new technologies to reach students who are unable to attend traditional classes. Marshall recognized early on that students in West Virginia were underserved due to the geographic barriers of this rural, mountainous state and the economic restrictions of an economy based on blue collar jobs in industries producing chemical products, coal, primary metals, stone, clay, and glassware. 

The earliest distance education programs at Marshall involved packing a faculty member's car with all the materials for class and sending them into a community a few times a week to offer an education that would otherwise unavailable. Never short of visionary leaders, Marshall embraced new technologies as a means to provide access to more and more of the state's residents. From satellite to public television to the world wide web Marshall has set the pace by adopting new technologies as they appeared on the market, testing and refining their capabilities, and integrating them into the mission of the University.  

The University's leadership understood that no technology is an end unto itself but rather a tool to provide a quality education. Despite the University's proactive approach, technologies often evolved in parallel. Satellite, Interactive Video, online classes, video streaming, and internet applications each developed and was refined independently. No single technology is the ultimate solution. The creation of a accessible quality education requires that all the tools be employed. The vision of a comprehensive effort to develop and integrate technologies for the delivery of classes and educational content required an additional layer of coordination to complete the connections between specific applications and university mission.

To meet the challenges set out in the university’s vision for 2010 and the Chancellor’s goals for the next two years, Marshall University must move toward a comprehensive Distributed Education program that focuses on the outcome to be improved, not just the technology. Marshall has taken the first step with the creation of a department of Distributed Education Technology reporting to the Chief Information Officer. Through Distributed Education Technology, the current and future technologies can be seamlessly integrated together to create a powerful tool for reaching all learners.