Communication in distance education has evolved in the area of personal contact. In the area of face to face (FTF) contact there is traditionally a classroom that consists of an instructor and peers. In distance education an online community is established and for many years this was the extent of the group. Now the online classroom can be further enhanced through online chat rooms and web conferencing (such as Skype). Although this does not replace FTF contact it does lessen the feeling of being isolated from the classroom community. Colleagues can meet and discuss group projects and lectures and get that personal connection that many feel is left out of the distance education program.
In a blog by Steve Foerster, he mentions the use of “robots” for instructors. Carnegie University offers an intelligent tutoring system that works with the student. It provides help when prompted and remediation when needed. This type of communication is beneficial for those students t hat like an independent learning environment and can be self-motivated to achieve the necessary mastery of given topics. To read more about this topic please visit his blog at http://community.elearners.com/blogs/atsu/archive/2009/12/30/is-your-instructor-obsolete.aspx .
In another blog by Elizabeth O’Neill, http://www.blogcatalog.com/blog/learning-online-info , she offers a few opinions on distance learning. One that was particular to my area, communication, actually mentions that online students can develop stronger connections because of the scheduled communication. Students are required to post comments and participate in such environments that they may not in the traditional classroom. Through this “forced” interaction the idea of lacking communication in the distance learning environment is diminished.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Module 1-Reflection
As I was reading, and listening, to the resources for this week I couldn't help but to continually agree with the opinions and statements presented. In Simonsen's video he talks about the advancement of distance education and how it will increase in the future. He then elaborates that distance education will not take the place of the brick and mortar classrooms but really continue to enhance the learning process. I have been in many discussions where people have implied that teacher's are going to be obsolete like an 8-track player. While I have often wondered if that is true it is apparent that a real, talking person will be needed for many students. Distance education is not for every child and the traditional classroom will continue to be in need as we continue to evolve with technology in the classrooms. While Simonsen believes that distance education is ready to evolve to the next generation, Moller, Huett, Foshay, and Coleman (authors of Implications of Instructional Design on the Potential on the Web) are hesitant to agree.
The latter mentioned authors feel that even though distance learning is on the front of education there are still areas in need of development that inhibit its evolution to the nest generation of students. Many teachers are in need of training. Being able to reach the distance learner is very different than understanding your students you physically see each day. These teachers need to provide a learning experience that is equal to those in the traditional classroom and meet the requirements for education. In addition to teacher training there is funding and the need for classes that cover a wide spectrum of learner needs. These areas of concern are the barriers that may prohibit the diffusion of distance learning into the next generation.
While both sets of authors have their varying opinions it seems that they agree that distance education will move forward and continue to be the next step of education.
The latter mentioned authors feel that even though distance learning is on the front of education there are still areas in need of development that inhibit its evolution to the nest generation of students. Many teachers are in need of training. Being able to reach the distance learner is very different than understanding your students you physically see each day. These teachers need to provide a learning experience that is equal to those in the traditional classroom and meet the requirements for education. In addition to teacher training there is funding and the need for classes that cover a wide spectrum of learner needs. These areas of concern are the barriers that may prohibit the diffusion of distance learning into the next generation.
While both sets of authors have their varying opinions it seems that they agree that distance education will move forward and continue to be the next step of education.
Huett, J., Moller, L., Foshay, W. & Coleman, C., (2008, September/October). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web (Part 3:K12). TechTrends, 52 (5), 63-67. http://ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=34729472&site=ehost-live&scope=site
Laureate Education, Inc. (2008). Distance Education: The Next Generation featuring Dr. Michael Simonson. Principles of Distance Education. Baltimore: Author. http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=3821591&Survey=1&47=6223431&ClientNodelID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1
Moler, L. Foshay, W. & Huett, J. (2008, May/June). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the Web (Part 1: training and Development). TechTrends, 52 (3), 70-75. http://ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=33281719&site=ehost-live&scope=site
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Welcome!
Welcome to my blog! I am excited to hear about the various ideas, opinions, and experiences surrounding games in distance education.
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