RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, Sept. 22, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- World Conference on Distance Education -- American Military University (AMU) professor Andrew Feldman shared his research -- regarding the needs of distance learning students -- at the 22nd World Conference on Distance Education recently held here (www.amu.apus.edu). His findings: understanding students as individuals, building community, and incorporating multimedia to produce meaningful interaction are essential to distance education's future.
The International Council for Open and Distance Education sponsors the conference. It is considered one of the world's leading educational events.
"Since Socrates, personality, identity and social interaction have been important in traditional classrooms," says Feldman, who earned his doctorate in comparative literature from the Sorbonne, University of Paris IV and now teaches contemporary fiction, Middle Eastern literature and other courses at AMU.
American Military University is part of American Public University System, a regionally accredited distance education institution that serves more than 15,000 students worldwide.
"My study shows that dialogue, social interaction and meaningful discussion are just as important for distance learners -- and can greatly improve learning outcomes," he says.
Students can interact at a distance through threaded discussions and real-time online meetings, for example. The key is for professors to provide thoughtful guidance, while challenging students to view issues in new ways.
"The social aspect of learning is not just a pleasant offset to brutal hours cracking the books. It's essential students consider other viewpoints through dynamic discussions with a cross-section of teachers and classmates, something the Internet so readily provides," Feldman says.
That interaction can be enhanced by audio and video, such as student and professor produced MP3 files. Feldman says technology provides a way to create a community regardless of physical location.
Feldman's research suggests learning styles and methods to transform the classroom. His complete paper and streaming video is available by emailing Feldman at af835@online.apus.edu.
About 1,000 higher education professionals attended the four-day conference, which was also sponsored by the Brazilian Association for Distance Education. It is held every two years.
About American Military University
American Military University provides relevant and affordable distance learning in more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs -- taught by professors who are experienced in the real-world subjects they teach. American Military University prepares students for careers in homeland security, intelligence, national security, criminal justice, emergency management, business and more.
American Military University is hosting "Homeland Security: The Ripple Effect," Feb. 6-7 at the National Press Club, Washington, D.C. (www.apus.edu/disaster).