How was the distance learning course different from traditional course?

M: Hi, Lynn, I saw you at registration yesterday. I sailed right through, but you were standing in a line.
W: Yeah. I waited an hour to sign up for a distance learning course.
M: Distance learning? Never heard of it?
W: Well, it’s new this semester. It’s only open to psychology majors. But I bet it’ ll catch on elsewhere. Yesterday over a hundred students signed up.
M: Well, what is it?
W: It’s an experimental course. I registered for Child Psychology. All I have to do is watch a twelve week series of televised lessons. The department shows them several different times a day and in several different locations.
M: Don’t you ever have to meet with your professor?
W: Yeah. After each part of the series, I have to talk to her and the other students on the phone, you know, about our ideas. Then we’ ll meet on the campus three times for reviews and exams.
M: It sounds pretty non-traditional to me. But I guess it makes sense considering how many students have jobs. It must re ally help with their schedules. Not to mention how it’ll cut down on traffic.
W: You know last year my department did a survey and they found out that 80% of all psychology majors were employed. That’s why they came up with the program, kook, I’ ll be working three days a week next semester and it was either cut back on classes or try this out.
M: The only thing is, doesn’t it seem impersonal though? I mean, I’ d miss having class discussions and hearing what other people think.
W: Well, I guess that’s why phone contacts are important. Anyway it’s an experiment. Maybe I’ll end up hating it. M: Maybe. But I’ll be curious to see how it works out.