Designing online courses is relatively easy; however, for distance education to be successful, not only individual courses but the entire program must be carefully planned. Designing a distance education program is a much more complex process than designing a single course. Although Orellana’s study published in 2009 addressed important issues related to online course design, it did not explain in detail how to design a comprehensive online program.

Many schools and universities are gradually transitioning from traditional education to distance education. This transition usually begins with offering parts of courses online, followed by fully online courses, blended learning, and eventually complete distance education programs. However, this process is often carried out through trial and error rather than systematic planning based on research.

The text emphasizes that two main components are necessary for distance education to become a central approach within an institution. The first component is a comprehensive academic technology and distance education plan that includes vision and mission statements, goals, policies, timelines, and resources. The second component is an implementation process that supports the diffusion of distance education by involving stakeholders and promoting success step by step.

In this process, teachers and instructors play a key role. While leadership support is important, the success of distance education largely depends on the educators who implement the system. Therefore, collaboration among instructors, administrators, instructional designers, and support staff is essential.

In conclusion, a successful distance education program requires strong leadership, needs analysis, a detailed technology plan, evaluation processes, instructional design models, qualified instructors, technical support services, course management systems, and an adequate budget. When these elements come together, distance education programs become sustainable and effective.

Here I put the link for your research:

https://www.uky.edu/~gmswan3/609/Clark_1983.pdf?utm