MULTIMEDIA - THE DISTANT CLASSROOM - HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, AND ADMINISTRATIVE CONSIDERATIONS

The introduction of new technology into everyday use is a slow and gra dual process. Faculty members may wonder why it is necessary to change and are bewildered by phrases such as learner-centered, distance educ ation, subject-matter expert, and interactive video. Yet, increased fa culty participation in the new technologies is a prerequisite for the successful pedagogical implementation of new methods. As a new generat ion of students enters the university system, as more adult learners d emand continuing education, and as the needs of minority students are recognized, new teaching methods are necessary as universities everywh ere face cost-cutting measures. This paper describes an approach by on e university designed to encourage the ''subject-matter expert,'' such as a faculty member, to prepare interactive distance-education materi als for dissemination via video tape, TV (satellite or microwave), CD- ROM, and the Internet. The intent is to provide interesting, education al, interactive materials and at the same time minimize the effort typ ically involved in producing distance-education materials.