NCJ Number
170773
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 66 Issue: 10 Dated: (October 1997) Pages: 1-8
Date Published
1997
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Distance learning through the use of videotapes, audiotapes, and videoconferencing is discussed, with emphasis on its successful use by police agencies for police education.
Abstract
The two types of distance learning are asynchronous distance education, which does not require the simultaneous participation of the learners and instructor, and synchronous distance education, which occurs in real time and may include the use of two-way audio and video. Many organizations offer distance learning for police. The Law Enforcement Training Network (LETN) functions like a cable network. Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Va., offers an online bachelor's degree. Virginia police agencies have established the Mid-Atlantic Police Supervisory Institute to provide online courses. The Online Police Academy of the Millersville University of Pennsylvania uses the World Wide Web as its delivery system. The FBI Training Network incorporates distance through three programs. The FBI has also collaborated with Louisiana State University to establish a computer network to enable police officers to conduct research, communicate with peers, and take courses online at no cost. Police administrators who plan to establish a distance learning program should obtain help and conduct a needs assessment. Agencies may need to use creative approaches to obtain the funds that are available to pay for distance learning. However, agencies should ask whether they can afford not to establish distance learning rather than whether they can afford to do so. Reference notes and lists of sources of more information