Distance Learning : A Year-end Recapitulation
by Jack Johnson

(This is the sixth and final article of the year designed to provide WASFAA membership with a working knowledge of Distance Learning)

Throughout the year, the Distance Learning Task Force has presented WASFAA membership with the critical issues surrounding the delivery of education from a distance. A very helpful tool has been the WASFAA Newsletter. Last May, the newsletter included our first article which introduced WASFAA membership to the newly formed Distance Learning Task Force. It described the purpose of the Task Force, and provided a foundation for future articles. The second article provided an overview of distance learning, including the various delivery systems, and the four types of providers that are emerging nationally. The third article addressed student access to distance learning, with guidance on how to navigate on the web to various distance learning sites. The fourth article discussed the need for standardizing data formats and processes so that schools can best serve distance learners. The fifth and last article was devoted to identifying the needs of the 21st century student, and the financial aid models that are evolving to serve students. In this article, we provided information regarding virtual universities who may apply for acceptance into the new demonstration projects and become eligible to participate in Title IV federal financial aid programs.

Another excellent tool has been the WASFAA Forum on Financial Aid for Distance Learning. With the exception of Idaho, this presentation has been provided at each of the state conferences, and it is on the agenda for the WASFAA conference next month. The response has been excellent. An added benefit from these forums has been the opportunity to collect questions from audiences that can be shared with the WASFAA membership in the form of a Q&A. This Q&A will be available to members who attend the forum on Financial Aid and Distance Learning at the WASFAA Conference in April. Hopefully it becomes another good tool for WASFAA members as we as an organization strive to better understand the issues surrounding distance learning.

In closing I wish to recognize the other team members of the Task Force, Linda Michalowski, Dan Davenport, and Wayne Sparks. Without their great work, what has been accomplished this last year would not have possible. The four of us are looking forward to seeing you in San Diego in April.