| Summary: | Information Technology Management === The Department of Defense (DoD) is implementing distance learning to augment and replace current military education and training program, Distance Learning (DL) methods using technology such as video teleconferencing (VTC) and the Internet are expected to provide immense cost and time savings when properly implemented and supported. Implementing a successful DL program requires a clear understanding of the unique interactions and characteristics of the technology, the environment, the roles of the instructor and students, and the appropriate instructional methods. Gaining a clear understanding of a successful program necessitates a framework to assess the effectiveness of distance learning programs. This research proposes a learning effectiveness model for distance learning. Model constructs include the learning effectiveness of instructor/ students, interactivity, organizational characteristics, goals and technology. These constructs form the basis for the distance learning model. Three Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) DL courses are analyzed using the model to illustrate its flexibility and predictive nature. This analysis showed that the model's constructs interact to produce a system that supports a complex relationship. Interactions between technology, the environment, instructional techniques, student effectiveness combine to produce different outcomes. Feedback is an important system mechanism that allows verification that the course learning objectives are being achieved.
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