Distance education: Challenges, paradigms, and pathways for success in microbiology

Abstract

The technology revolution in communication has reshaped and transformed our lives and professions in ways few envisioned. Today we can contact all of our students with a few clicks of the key board to send an announcement, post an assignment, alert them to an important event, or ask them to stop by our office. Students can ask questions about class material from their home, dorm room, or study group via e-mail, listservs, or bulletin boards and get an answer in a few hours without having to wait for office hours or class time. One example of the transforming power of this technology is its effect on distance education.