Distance Education in Schools: Realities and Perspectives

This chapter discusses the role of ICT as a catalyst of a new global educational reform in schools aimed to break the monopoly of the print and paper based educational system. Some basic definitions are given although it is emphasized that the area is very dynamic and the definitions are still evolving. The main conclusion related to the ongoing educational reform is that it is based on designing and using different virtual learning environments which do not put clear boundary between physical and virtual worlds. A key factor for success is to integrate them, instead to separate them, and to apply relevant instructional design strategy based on a current learning theory. Some constructivists learning theories are analysed as well. The effectiveness of ICT based distance education is also discussed and teacher education is considered as the major way (to struggle) for excellence. The future of ICT based distance education is mostly considered in the context of the so-called Web 2.0 schools.