Distance learning in graduate health administration education: a case study from Washington State University

Some scholars have viewed distance learning as cause for concern, a potential degradation to the educational process. Others have said it provides the access that is not possible with traditional education and therefore expands the options for reaching diverse populations of students. Many are not certain where this educational toolis headed but know that it will have a big effect on the population of both students and faculty in educational institutions. Indeed, the direction of distance learning has the attention of many that previously attempted to ignore it as a passing trend in the educational process. Washington State University (WSU) at Spokane and its Health Policy and Administration (HPA) Program have been involved with distance education for more than a decade. The purpose here is to share this decade of experience. The academic and administrative experience of faculty, staff, and students are documented and discussed with the intent of showing both the advantages and disadvantages of distance learning. Some of the lessons learned are shared along with challenges in maintaining quality in the delivery of graduate education in health administration and other fields as we move forward in adopting distance learning tools and techniques.