Abstract:

The introduction of digital economy has continued to influence education and the mode for delivery of teaching and learning. The advancing technologies associated with the Internet have revolutionized teaching strategies, student assessment and student-teacher interaction in numerous interesting ways. A new learning experience is through distance education where the traditional campus is no longer the main means of obtaining tertiary qualifications. Distance education programs are delivered through technological means that transcends national boundaries. Through distance education, learning in universities has become more flexible and responsive to the diverse needs of the students. Distance education in this paper is defined as a formal and institutionalized based education where the learner and instructor are separated by both time and distance. The discussion of the impact of distance education on universities will include the following topics: (a) distance education and student learning, (b) the changing role of the academic staff, (c) an illustration of distance education program for engineering in Malaysia, and (d) the cultural and structural challenges for the organization. The authors conclude by emphasizing the importance of the “student-centered” approach in providing quality education through distance programs in corporatized universities. If distance education is to be effective and innovative for students, the management of the university must work collaboratively with the academics to consider appropriate technologies that will enhance learning.

Keywords:

Distance education, engineering, learning, teaching, technology.