Prof. Moustafa A. Chaaban
Egyptian Society of Mechanical Engineers
Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University
Cairo, Egypt

ABSTRACT

The aim of this paper is to discuss Engineering Continuing Education and Professîonal Development Through Distance Learning as one of the main changes developed in engineering continuing éducation and professional development programmes.

Distance learning has already been applied in many countries all over the world and proved its existence in most of these countries. Distance learning and similar institutions can be round in developed countries such as United Kingdom, United States. Canada, Russia, Germany, France. and others. They can also bc round in developing countries such as Mexico, Brazil, India, Thailand, China, Pakistan, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Singapore, Egypt and others.

The paper includes the establishment of distance learning, its distribution in the world and types, characteristics and main points identifying it. The paper gives a classification of distance learning programmes in the world according to différent éducation levels and types of courses offered by distance learning institutes in the world. The paper gives a comparison between requirements for admission of students to conventional and distance learning institutes, and types of students attending distance learning institutions.

The paper discusses courses, teaching i-naterials, supporting systems and means of communication in engineering continuing éducation and professional development through distance learning. Examples of engineering continuing éducation and professional development through distance learning are given.

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