Distance Learning Programs and Schools in Japan: From Correspondence Learning to E-Learning
Abstract: Distance learning has been around in Japan for the past 50 years at least, mostly as the form of correspondence schools. With the wide spread use of the information and communication technologies (ICT), not only distance education institutions but traditional colleges and universities can transform themselves into e-learning institutions. The Japanese government has been promoting e-learning in higher education for several years. Thus, the institutions of higher education in Japan have slowly begun implementing e-learning, but most of them still maintain old practices of teaching students as passive learners. The paper will look at historical evolution of distance education in Japan and discuss the current status of e-learning in those distance learning programs and schools as well as in those traditional on-campus programs and schools.