Civic Engagement and Distance Learning

Abstract

A perusal of the Internet reveals a number of higher education institutions (including Harvard) have entered the distance learning "business". While this may have aided the fiscal bottom line, the distance learning modality provides several stern challenge to political science's civic engagement initiative. The majority of attendees of the Civic Engagement II track at the 2011 TLC were in agreement the linkage between distance education and the discipline of political science was an area in need of being addressed (a perspective not adequately captured in the summary published in PS). The paper presents evidence from Eastern Oregon University's thriving distance education program that can be extrapolated to other institutions. The interactive aspect of the session will allow session participants to share their experiences, and best practices will be isolated.

Keywords: civic engagement, distance education, political science