Distance Delivery at the lowest common denominator

These are some thoughts catalyzed by my observations of similarities and differences in the delivery of distance education in Thailand and Alaska.

Distance delivery of education must be excellent at the lowest common denominator of distance delivery technology. Once the technological base of distance delivery is established it is possible to improvise and experiment, and even implement, other technologies. The common denominator in Thailand is the postal service. The prime method of course content delivery is printed materials. I am not sure if audio would work in Thailand. Unless audio will work with cell phones I know it will not work because of the limited scope of regular phone access. Each country, and each region in a country, will have evolving technology and access opportunities. In Thailand there is a good road system and a postal service that will allow delivery of materials in two to four days. In Alaska we have many more isolated areas and the postal service takes a long time for delivery. I guess the underlying principle is that technology, and what is appropriate technology, is determined by very specific regional conditions. Another principle is that any delivery of distance education must provide excellent service using the lowest common technological denominator.

Having the infrastructure of regional and provincial centers, that STOU has, provides an opportunity to provide technological incubators for distance course delivery. I think it would be possible to schedule specific courses that used new technology for students. To use technology it might be necessary to offer some courses at specifically scheduled times. Offering both time dependent and time independent course delivery is valuable for distance delivery students. By implementing technology in an experimental manner STOU would be ready for new technology as the technological common denominator changes and evolves in Thailand Visiting STOU has been very helpful in allowing me to see another context for distance delivery of education.