E-learning or Correspondence? The Fine Line. Posted on June 9, 2014 by Cari CrumlyDid you know that there is a fine line when it comes to technology based instruction known as e-learning and correspondence? What’s the difference? Either way the lesson, assignments, tests, books, etc…are sent and/or received via mail, right? Okay, okay, maybe it is electronic mail, but isn’t it still correspondence? Well, let’s look at this a little more in depth. Splitting Hairs or Critical Distinctions? E-learning is defined as that learning which uses electronic means. E-learning is the acquisition of knowledge and skill using electronic technologies such as a computer, internet-based courseware, and local and wide area networks. Correspondence refers to educational course work completed through means of mail. Lessons are sent through the mail to the student and students return lesson materials (assignment, tests, etc…) through the snail-mail or electronic mail. Now, I know what you’re thinking, correspondence schools no longer exist, and no one even mails letters anymore. It’s so obsolete that education can’t possibly fall into a correspondence category. Well, believe it or not, there is a fine line. And here it is….some states may view online education as correspondence education due to the fact that educational materials may be delivered electronically including lectures, videos, and exams/assessments. Why is this Important? It is important because, based on state by state regulations covering distance / correspondence educational delivery methods and locations, funding and approval for the delivery of courses and course content may be restricted, limited, or revoked based on jurisdictional laws, regulations, and policies. Be sure to review your state’s local laws. If an institution is offering post-secondary education through distance or correspondence education to students in a State in which it is not physically located or in which it is otherwise subject to State jurisdiction as determined by the State, the institution must meet any State requirements for it to be legally offering post-secondary distance or correspondence education in that State. An institution must be able to document to the Secretary the State’s approval upon request (SARA Report, 2013). Que SARA, SARA? Nope! Distance education encompasses many different delivery methods: Computer-based training (CBT), Internet/Web-based training, Videotape, Satellite Interactive TV, Mixed Media, and Correspondence. Because of the variety of delivery systems, it is essential not only that stringent rules and guidelines be in place for distance education, but that those standards are well-explained and understood in order to maintain and protect the quality and integrity of the continuing education program. The purpose of this document is to provide some explanation of the Commission’s standards for distance education, as set forth in Commission Rule 58E.0310, which addresses distance education courses, to developers and sponsors of prospective distance education courses, and ultimately to ensure that any distance education courses subsequently approved will meet the needs of the licensees while complying with all previously established Commission Rules governing the continuing education program (SARA Report, 2013). For more information, follow this link to the right to review the Regulatory Reform document for Findings, Principles, and Recommendations for the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). Photo Credit: “A Fine Line / Frederic Geurts” by Dominic Alves – CC by 2.0 [sociallocker] [/sociallocker] Add to favorites