An investigative report on the application and effect of the technology of distance education in western China

Qiu Ping
Beijing Language and Culture University
China

The utilization of new technology in distance education has made it possible for quality educational resources to be delivered to and shared by distance learners in disadvantaged areas in China. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and efficiency of use of new technology in distance education in western China from the perspective of student experiences and perceptions. Questionnaires, semi-structured interview, and observation were employed. 278 valid questionnaires from distance learners in six distance education teaching centres were received and 27 distance learners were interviewed. Three topics were explored, including student use of technology; student use of online learning; and student preferences of learning mode.

It was found from this study that the availability of technical resources differed greatly among distance learners. There were two types of distance learners massed learners and autonomic learners. Autonomic distance learners owned more new technical equipment while distance learners who studied at teaching centres mainly used a face-to-face learning/teaching mode. Therefore, the new technology at teaching centres did not appear to be used fully by all distance learners. From the learners' experiences and perceptions, it was found that massed learners preferred to have a face-to-face teaching mode, while autonomic distance learners preferred a mixed mode of face-to-face and online teaching. It is expected that the outcome of this study could be valuable for policy-makers and distance educators to understand the advantages and limitations of using new technology in western China, and enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of utilizing new technology.