This paper reviews conditions that have lead to increased college and university course offerings using distance education. Concerns are identified in some recent studies, and comparative course completion data (distance education vs. face-to-face instruction) at two community colleges are presented. Measurement issues are discussed, including a proposal for measurement of key variables involved in studying method of delivery by institutional researchers. This paper asks some difficult questions about why distance education is increasingly offered by postsecondary institutions, despite evidence that students are less likely to complete their courses successfully. (Contains 2 graphs and 21 references.) (Author/SLD)
