A Review of Case Studies Related to Distance Education in Developing Countries

Abstract

Within a context of rapid technological change and shifting market
conditions. the education system of the developing countries is
challenged by the need to provide increased educational
opportunities without increased budgets.
Many educational institutions are answering this challenge by
developing distance education prog.rams. At its most basic level,
distance education takes place when a teacher and student(s) are
separated by physical distance. and technology (Le., voice. video.
data. and print). often in concert with face-to-face communication. is
used to bridge the instructional gap. These types of program can
provide adults with a second chance at a college education. reach
those disadvantaged by limited time. distance or physical disability.
and update the knowledge base of workers at their places of
employment. Of course. the reason distance learning is such a hot
topic right now is that it provides what training departments are
desperate for - cheaper. faster, and sometimes more effective training
that can reach a bigger audience.
In this paper an attempt is made to provide an overview of the
distance education and cultural and linguistic problems confronting
distance education today. The description of overview of the distance
education will be followed by presentation of cultural and linguistic
problems and their impact on distance education in developing
countries .