This article provides the history and goals of a distance-learning demonstration project at EdinboroUniversity of Pennsylvania, as well as technical considerations, coordination activities, andinstructional issues faced by the faculty. The experience gained through the initial project enabled the University to later offer credit-bearing courses on a regular basis via video conferencing.
Many institutions are moving toward implementation of some form of Virtual University, offering real credit for virtual classes. This Viewpoint article discusses seven problem areas -- access, accreditation, curriculum development, evaluation, marketing, mentoring, and pricing -- that must be addressed before electronic courseware and distance learning can be accepted as valid methods of imparting knowledge.