Charles WedemeyerTheory of Independent StudyBy Sandra Baluch

Background Information

01924—National University Extension Association developed standards for correspondence courses

01943—Wedemeyer began his Naval Career0 In charge of Naval Training courses0 Barriers encountered—limited access to experts on ships all

over the world

0 GI Bill of Rights--Many veterans are now able to attend college due to available funding0 Many are turned away due to sheer volume of students0 Veteran’s Administration had tight restrictions regarding

correspondence schools

Affiliation with the University of Wisconsin

01945—Became new director of the Racine Extension Center, focusing on correspondence education0 Developed two major lines of correspondence education

—two-year undergraduate program; and working with vocational schools

0 Largest correspondence education program in the world, with over 8,500 students and 400 course offerings

0 Also provided instructional services to the U.S. Armed Forces Institute, serving over 85,000 servicemen and women

Wedemeyer’s Thoughts on Television and New Technologies

0Traditional higher education programs were not utilizing new technologies to meet needs of students

0Non-traditional student needs can be met0Learners are more in control of the learning process0Strong advocate for using television to meet needs of

non-traditional students0 Television afforded flexibility, convenience, timeliness,

and ability to reach many people0 The more senses involved in learning, the more learning

is reinforced

10 Characteristics of Independent Learning0 Can operate anywhere there are students0 Greater student responsibility regarding learning0 Custodial duties not part of teacher responsibilities0 More choices made available for course offerings, delivery

formats, and methodologies used0 All media and teaching methods that are effective should be

considered0 Student learning needs met via use of different media and

teaching methods0 Redesign of courses or new courses offered to fit “articulated

media method”0 Adapt programs/methods to meet student needs0 Simple student assessments that focus on student needs 0 Self-paced

6 Characteristics of Independent Study Systems

0Student and teacher not physically in same place0Writing or other mediums should be used in

process of teaching and learning0Individualize teaching0Student learning occurs as a result of student

activities0Should be taught in students’ environment 0Self-paced wherein student makes decisions of

start and stop times.

Bibliography

Diehl, W. C. (2011). Learning at the Back Door: Charles A. Wedemeyer and the Evolution of Open and Distance Education. University Park: Pennsylvania State University.

Michael Simonson, S. S. (2012). Definitions, History, and Theories of Distance Education. In S. S. Michael Simonson, Teaching and Learning at a Distance, Foundations of Distance Education, Fifth Edition (pp. 43-44). Boston: Pearson.

Regents, U. o. (2014, 09 14). Mildred B. & Charles A. Wedemeyer Award. Retrieved from About Charles Wedemeyer: http://www.uwex.edu/disted/conference/wedemeyer/aboutcw.cfm

Saba, D. F. (2014, 09 14). Introduction to Distance Education: Theorists and Theories — Charles Wedemeyer. Retrieved from Distance-Educator.com: http://distance-educator.com/introduction-to-distance-education-theorists-and-theories-charles-wedemeyer/