How was the distance-learning course different from traditional courses? [origin

M: Hi, Lynn. I saw you at registration yesterday. I sailed right through, hut you were standing in a long line.
W: Yeah. I waited an hour to sign up for a distance-learning course.
M: Distance learning? Never heard of it.
W: Well, it’s new this semester. It’s only open to psychology majors. But I bet it’ll catch on else where. Yesterday, over a hundred students signed up.
M: Well, what is it?
W: It’s an experimental course. I registered for child psychology. All I have got to do is watch a twelve week series of televised lessons. The department shows them seven different times a day and in seven different locations.
M: Don’t you ever have to meet with your professor?
W: Yeah. After each part of the series I have to talk to her and the other students on the phone, you know, about our ideas. Then we’ll meet on campus three times for reviews and exams.
M: It sounds pretty non-traditional to me. But I guess it makes sense, considering how many students have jobs. It must really help with their schedules, not to mention how it will cut down on traffic.
W: You know, last year my department did a survey and they found out that 80 percent of all psychology majors were employed. That’s why they came up with the program.
M: Look, I’ll be working three days a week next semester and it was either cut back on my classes or try this out.
W: The only thing is: doesn’t it seem impersonal though? I mean, I miss having class discussions and hearing what other people think.
M: Well, I guess that’s why phone contact’s important. Any way, it’s an experiment.
W: Maybe I’ll end up hating it.
M: Maybe. But I’ll be curious to see how it works on.