Distance Learning and the Control Theory Metaphor

This monogram offers an empirical discussion of a common issue appearing in the design of eLearning courses nowadays and the even more commonly found misperception of many faculty about delivering such courses. These issues are viewed from the perspective of an engineer designing a mechanical control system, the design of which can affect the mechanical output or behaviour of the system resulting in different outputs based on the existence and proper use of its various components. Courses designed for online delivery, just like mechanical systems, require input, controllers and regulators, and a sought-after output. The components of online courses form a dynamical eLearning system in which, similarly to its mechanical counterparts, the mere presence of the components themselves cannot result in an optimally controlled system without the presence of necessary and appropriate controllers. This critical review of the topic identifies the current realities and drawbacks and offers an innovative view in the context of distance learning systems and their impact.