TeleEducation NB: People problems and solutions in a Canadian province-wide distributed distance learning network

Abstract

TeleEducation NB (TENB) is a province-wide distributed learning network that assists educational institutions and private sector companies in delivering distance education. As an example of a province-wide distributed distance learning network, TeleEducation NB can serve as a model for those planning the implementation of similar projects. This analysis of the people problems encountered by TENB staff, administrators, instructors and students provides distance education (DE) professionals, implementers, and policy makers with a guide for working in a distributed distance learning system. Principal people problems encountered are categorized into the following: those caused by bureaucratic processes, those surrounding different approaches to course development; concerns about quality, duplication, problems relating to the attitudes of institutional participants, and the problems students had in accessing courses and participating with TENB. Recommendations for those involved with similar initiatives are included.