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1987: Distance Learning Via Satellite

Larger Version

In 1987, for the first time, the University began offering introductory credit courses in history and English via television satellite. The idea had been launched on an airplane: Danielle Fortosky, Director of Audio-Visual Services, and Professor Michael Hayden shared a conversation and ideas about possibilities in distance education while on a return flight to Saskatoon.

Sessions originated in the studios of the Division of Audio-Visual Services and were beamed via satellite to as many as 14 provincial centres. Professors Ron Marken and Michael Hayden–both later honoured as ‘Master Teachers’–gave the first courses.

The Extension Division arranged the courses as part of its distance education program. Each session provided a televised presentation by a faculty member in Saskatoon, with discussions led by on-site tutors. Student comments or questions were conveyed by telephone and heard by all participants.

Toll-free telephones were also made available to enable students to consult the instructors during office hours.


Related Collections

Division of Audio Visual Services fonds, RG 2024.

Images

1987a: Professor Michael Hayden delivering class. Annual Report, 1987-88.

Sources

On Campus, vol. 28, no. 1, 4 Sep 1987.

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