Instructional Delivery Strategy: Background and Description The instructional delivery strategy discussed in this paper is "distance learning." According to Staresnia (2004), distance learning (sometimes called distance education) is an umbrella term encompassing all learning that takes place at locations remote from the point of instruction and which typically utilizes one or more of various educational technologies such as computers, satellites, CD-ROMs, and so forth. Staresnia points out that in its initial use, distance learning was typically used for college students but that as the instructional delivery strategy has advanced it was increasingly applied to lower level educational institutions as well. For example, it is now being used in many high schools.
In many cases, distance learning methods are being used to help improve student learning in large urban high schools. In this regard, Gibran and Guiney (1999) state that distance education is currently allowing large urban school districts to provide students with relatively low cost but very high quality education. Moreover, the authors note that because computers are so frequently involved in distance learning, it is also helping students to learn a skill that is increasingly called for in the larger social world.
This paper will examine ways to employ this instructional strategy emphasizing its use for the large urban school district. An effort will be made to determine the most effective methods and st