Published Article / Throughout history children have been taught by means of stories told by their parents, and for many centuries this was the primary method of transferring knowledge and information. As time progressed, we spent less and less time listening to stories, although to this day storytelling is still being used as an education methodology. People of our modern century are accustomed to receiving information in an audio format. It is natural for us to absorb information through an auditory medium, and since such information transfer takes place on such a personal level, we tend to form a personal relationship with radio presenters. They become like family members who visit every time one turns on the radio. Podcasting has grown over the past year and is seen as a major leap forward in mobile learning, or as we like to call it, "learning-on-the-go". The learner is able to download lectures or information to his or her iPod or any other MP3 player, and no matter where he is or what he is doing, he will be able to gain knowledge. Whether the learner is working out at the gym or driving a car, the lecturer is always there with him, allowing the learner to constantly absorb information as it is presented in an amazingly personal way. When lectures are presented in this way, it of course remains the learner's responsibility to absorb the information made available to him. The whole idea of self-regulated learning comes to the fore and learners actually take responsibility for what they learn and the pace at which they learn. Lecturers are advised to record their lectures and make them available online as an essential tool in the education process. Language lecturers in particular should use pod casting as the main feature of their courses. Providing learners with a podcast of information on the next face-to-face lecture and having them prepare according to what they have been told in the podcast will truly enhance learning in the lecture room and stimulate discussion. The main aim of all lecturers should be to have their learners prepare to such a degree that all face-to-face sessions become discussion sessions. The iPod and podcasting have changed the face of open higher distance education as we know it. All we need to do is jump aboard and make the most of the amazing opportunities this paradigm shift is offering.

Published Article / Accountants have been unfavourably stereotyped over the years, and this holds negative implications not only for the attraction of sufficient numbers of students, but also for the attraction and retention of high-aptitude students. Many studies have been performed on student's perceptions of accountants and the profession. A South African study at a residential university found that accountants are perceived as being structured, precise and solitary. This study provides a distance-learning perspective. By using an existing research instrument and applying statistical analysis, the study found that distance-learning students perceive accountants as exciting/interesting, precise/methodical, factual/predictable and structured/stable. Various areas for future research have been identified in the area of students' perspectives on the accounting profession, including a longitudinal study, studies on the work environment's impacts and studies to determine the motives or reasons for studying accounting.

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

The purposes of this study were to determine if differences exist in distance-learning receptivity and perceived technology usefulness between American and Korean graduate students as well as Individualists and Collectivists. Results indicated that the two groups differed in distance-learning receptivity and perceived technology usefulness. However, cultural value tendency did not influence either receptivity or usefulness. Recommendations based on this study: 1. Researchers who are interested in cross-cultural field of distance learning should find what potential factors influence the differences in the receptivity and perceived usefulness between American and Korean group. 2. Administrators and decision makers who want to implement or adopt distance learning for their employees or students need to understand that cultural value, at least individualism and collectivism, is not a significant factor in distance learning. Instead, they should understand the importance of prior experience because people feel that distance is better than they??ve ever thought possible once they experience. 3. In implementing distance learning, practitioners should consider interactive media more than non-interactive media. Distance learning is mostly dependent upon technology. Practitioners should consider that distance-learning technology should be developed in terms of perceived usefulness to users. 4. In respect to usefulness, advanced and contemporary technologies were perceived more useful than traditional technologies in distance learning. Therefore, practitioners should also consider advanced technology rather than traditional technology in distance learning. Recommendations for future research: 1. It is suggested that Hofstede??s other cultural value dimensions should be included in future studies. 2. Future researchers should consider other factors such as personal background, learning style, skill level, and motivation. 3. Future research is needed to extend the current findings and test their generalizability to other types of users, for example, undergraduate students or organization employees. 4. This study used American and Korean samples only. Other national cultures should be tested with various cultural dimensions in a future study.

The purposes of this study were to determine if differences exist in distance-learning receptivity and perceived technology usefulness between American and Korean graduate students as well as Individualists and Collectivists. Results indicated that the two groups differed in distance-learning receptivity and perceived technology usefulness. However, cultural value tendency did not influence either receptivity or usefulness. Recommendations based on this study: 1. Researchers who are interested in cross-cultural field of distance learning should find what potential factors influence the differences in the receptivity and perceived usefulness between American and Korean group. 2. Administrators and decision makers who want to implement or adopt distance learning for their employees or students need to understand that cultural value, at least individualism and collectivism, is not a significant factor in distance learning. Instead, they should understand the importance of prior experience because people feel that distance is better than they??ve ever thought possible once they experience. 3. In implementing distance learning, practitioners should consider interactive media more than non-interactive media. Distance learning is mostly dependent upon technology. Practitioners should consider that distance-learning technology should be developed in terms of perceived usefulness to users. 4. In respect to usefulness, advanced and contemporary technologies were perceived more useful than traditional technologies in distance learning. Therefore, practitioners should also consider advanced technology rather than traditional technology in distance learning. Recommendations for future research: 1. It is suggested that Hofstede??s other cultural value dimensions should be included in future studies. 2. Future researchers should consider other factors such as personal background, learning style, skill level, and motivation. 3. Future research is needed to extend the current findings and test their generalizability to other types of users, for example, undergraduate students or organization employees. 4. This study used American and Korean samples only. Other national cultures should be tested with various cultural dimensions in a future study.

This case study examines an asynchronous distance learning program to identify characteristics critical to the diffusion and adoption process necessary for effective implementation. These attributes extrapolated from the review of literature and case study examination are both insightful and timely, since many educational institutions are currently implementing distance learning programs without a formal plan or vision. The study specified how an asynchronous program dealt with the diffusion and adoption process by providing a thorough examination of secondary documentation and archival record review, coupled with program interviews. Media for communicating information has expanded from simple print, voice, and face-to-face communications to include fax, voice mail, computer-assisted instruction, email, video and other technologies. These technologies are central to the mission of education. Institutions have entered the distance learning arena with the intent of capturing and attracting nontraditional students, as defined by age, marital status or employment status, to the academic market. Adoption and diffusion mechanisms focus on societal and customer needs. At institutions of higher learning, students are the customers and their academic needs should come first. The corporate sector is indirectly shaping education by hiring students who have acquired the skills needed to compete in the information age. Distance education must have an integrated strategic plan that successfully aligns all vital programs to support academic, industry and societal needs. Students and faculty must have easy access to information resources, support services, policies and procedures for distance education. The information resulting from this examination may facilitate adoption and diffusion of asynchronous distance learning programs. Based upon identified characteristics, the ancillary product of this case study was a compiled list and discussion of lessons learned, composed from the review of literature and case study examination. Key recommendations from the study, and substantiated in the review of literature, follow: • The case study had an adaptable infrastructure that changed with the times. • The purchase and use of distance learning technology was consistent with the strategic plan. • Participants had easy access and training to distance learning technology. / Ph. D.