Distance education is a modern education mode which is used by different countries in different courses and levels according to their local, cultural and social situations. The quality of eductional function of distance learners in comparison with conventional mode is an important subject among the authorities of this educational mode. This paper studies the educational function of physical education students in conventional and distance education modes in Iran.This is a semi-empirical study whose statistical population was physical education majors in 1999. The data were collected through eight close - ended questionnaires (240 questions) and a questionnaire on educational self-concept. Educational background of the subjects were gathered through Organization of Assessment. In addition to, correlation and effect of entry requirements with educational behavior have been considered by three variables: theoretical and practical score the National University Entrance Examination of high school GP A and also education self-concept. The research findings indicated that in the first intake of the physical education program, the per capita cost in distance education mode was 5.2 times that of conventional education. The cost of distance education is affected by the number of student, and as the number increases the per capita cost decreases with the same intensity. With the admission of 455 students. the per capita cost of both systems is the same, but it decreases for more enrollment. The ultimate results of the study indicated that despite the superiority of conventional students entry requirements, they had poorer functions as compared with distance students in theoretical courses of humanities and basic sciences. In practical courses no meaningful statistical difference was observed between the two groups.
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