For a problem-solution paper, I have to start by stating the problem and then thinking about how to solve it. Based on what I've read so far, the problem seems to be that distance learning is basically a good thing but it can make education less personal and more passive. It seems to create possibilities for cheating, and it can be too standardized, too much "fill in the blank" stuff rather than real discussion. So my central question is how can YSU set up a distance learning program that works well?

In order to answer this, I'll have to look at things like how other schools have done it, what problems people see with it, and what suggestions they have for doing it well. I'd also like to talk with some YSU students and teachers about how they feel about it. Maybe I should try to talk to whoever it is at YSU who's in charge of this, to find out where they are in the process. So really, I have a bunch of questions:

• What kinds of distance learning programs have other schools set up, and how have they worked?
• What do researchers say are the strengths and weaknesses of distance learning, and what ideas do they have for making it work well?
• How do YSU students and faculty feel about it? How will it go over here?
• What plans, if any, does YSU have already about setting up a distance learning program?

Framing Your Research Questions

Surveying the Topic

E-mail your comments and suggestions to the YSU Grant Team (cardcat@bgnet.bgsu.edu).