Item MSVUA-AV_OP-SH-710 - Dennis Lee [moving images]

Distance University Education via Television (DUET) was launched in 1982, providing a method of distance learning where students could watch lectures off campus. It was initially shot with black and white cameras and broadcast to short circuit TVs using ASN (Atlantic Satellite Network), a regional television channel for Atlantic Canada. DUET filmed course lectures in Gerontology, Accounting, Women's Studies, and more, that were broadcast to students studying remotely, who could then phone in with questions and comments. DUET was the result of President Dr. E. Margaret Fulton’s efforts to gain support from provincial and federal governments as well as cable companies. The first director of the program was Dr. Diana Carl.

This program was useful especially to women, in the context of the 1980s when many women were returning to the workforce after raising families and were looking for ways to update their education. The program began with fewer than 100 students but expanded throughout the years of operation.

In 1999, DUET, along with the Open Learning Program became the foundation for the Department of Distance Learning and Continuing Education. Eventually the program transitioned from local channels to digital, and in 2011 it ceased broadcasting and became online-only programming.