Distance Learning Research Study

Purpose:
The goal of this project is to investigate the benefits and drawbacks of using distance learning technology to teach languages to young children.

Overview:
The six major video-based distance learning programs currently in use in U.S. elementary schools will be examined in detail. The research questions for this study are the following: (1) What are the characteristics of the six distance learning language programs for children and how are the programs being implemented? (2) What are the goals of the programs? (3) Are they successful in achieving their goals? (4) Are any or all of the programs viable in providing quality instruction as outlined in the national standards? After the data have been gathered and analyzed through a variety of means, recommendations will be made to educators and parents, in a practical publication and a fact sheet, about the overall benefits of video-based instruction and the pro's and con's of the specific language programs.