Overcoming the Distance in Distance Education, 1

Introduction
Initial research for this project uncovered basic problems in online education. They relate to each other because both difficulties stem from the convenience and distance of e-education. One problem was the need for a personal approach for the students in a distance education environment. The other problem was the need for instructors to have a sense of belonging in a university environment when they may never meet fellow instructors or administrators face-to-face. Therefore, the objectives for the training program are aimed at the instructors and the administrators of the school. The purpose of the objectives is to overcome the distance in distance education. Gibbons and Wentworth stated:

Facilitator training has a significant impact on student learning. Training provides an opportunity for facilitators to learn about online learning, but also provides a model for best practices. Training is essential to the successful design and delivery of an online course. To allow instructors to teach online without formal training may be condemning the process to failure (Gibbons & Wentworth, 2001).
Training may address the normal concerns for the school in having a successful program but omit the personal side.

One researcher touched upon an obstacle in the minds of traditional faculty who are asked to support or participation in online education. McLean wrote:
Universities around the world have made significant investments in educational technologies. Though the number of faculty adopting these technologies has been increasing, there remains a large number who express reluctance to adopt them (Jacobsen, 1998). Universities are currently in a position where there is inconsistent adoption of educational technology, and many are searching for ways to promote its use for instruction. Technology holds great potential for enhancing teaching, but faculty must be willing and prepared to use it (McLean, 2005).
The translation from traditional teaching to distance education is not without hazards.