论加快远程教育学科专业建设

Distance Education as a New Discipline

远程教育概念经历了重大变革。本文探讨了作为教育手段和教育方式的广义远程教育和狭义远程教育的界定及其意义。在此基础上,给出了远程教育学的新定义。讨论了当前国际国内远程教育学科专业建设的现状,以及在我国加快远程教育学科专业建设的意义。

In recent years, the concept of 'distance education' has undergone tremendous changes. In practice, 'distance education' can be understood from a narrow or a more general perspective. In this paper, the author proposes a new definition for 'distance education'. 'Distance education' can be viewed as a new and independent sub-discipline of educational science which is inter-disciplinary in nature. Its scope for analysis includes the features and methodologies as well as the phenomena and patterns of learning at a distance. It also includes research into tThe nature of this practice and its role in the general framework of education and training are also scrutinized by researchers. Besides, the as well as its socio-historical context for this new form of learning can also be considered. This author believes that it is imperative for us to further develop the theory of distance learning and to introduce degree programs and other graduate courses on distance education into China's universities. These can be much helpful forcould greatly help the development of distance education management personnel and distance teaching professionals in China. The In this way, the quality of decision making of in distance education policies can could also be enhanced.