The Virtual Student and Distance Learning Toward the Ph.D.: A Case Study

The Virtual Student and Distance Learning Toward the Ph.D.: A Case Study

Jean A. Jacobson

This paper reviews experiences with distance learning while working toward completing the Ph.D. in English. Problems such as limited contact time with faculty, with peers and with a graduate student cohort, as well as limited contact with specific university resources such as librarians and support staff are discussed. Digital solutions to contact and resource problems such as Web-based seminar papers,E-mail student-student and student-teacher contact, and Web-based research are reviewed. Unresolved problems such as interrupted mentor relationships and geographic isolation are presented, as well as positive attributes of distance learning such as digitally extended support networks and freedom of scholarly direction.

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