Distance Learning: The Challenge for a Multicultural Society. Occasional Papers in Bilingual Education, 8.

A discussion of distance learning looks at the ways in which it does or does not address issues of cultural pluralism and the needs implied by this. Introductory sections look at the way in which current telecommunications socialize individuals of all ages and at the difficulty of research into this process. Media technology applicable in the classroom are then examined, and currently common uses of those media for distance learning are outlined, including the burgeoning information and media networks, both private and publicly supported. The rapid expansion of distance learning in the United States is chronicled briefly, and the Star Schools Program, an ambitious project to bring distance instruction to students through telecommunications partnerships, is described. Problems are seen in the limited extent to which the Star Schools Program, intended to enhance the education of economically disadvantaged students, addresses specifically the needs of culturally or linguistically diverse populations. Some programs that do target these populations are noted. It is concluded that there are inadequate large-scale educational telecommunications efforts focusing on linguistic and cultural issues, and that this need must be addressed. A brief bibliography and list of resources are appended. (MSE)