Distance Education is ever expanding due in large part to the innovations provided by digital technology and media. I believe it is absolutely essential that schools embrace and incorporate distance learning as part of their curriculum or lose students to the institutions that do. To better understand D.E.’s significance I will first explore it’s history and current trends (i.e. correspondence courses to web classes and videoconferencing). I will also research how the changes from past to present have affected different subjects. Finally I will address the possibilities that the future holds (i.e. m-learning and open courseware) for instructors, students and schools, with a critical eye toward the newest technologies, archiving, and intellectual property rights.
So far, my research has turned up many scholarly articles related to Distance Learning that are particularly on point:
Rybarczyk, B. (2007). Tools of engagement: using case studies in synchronous distance-learning environments. Journal of College Science Teaching, 37(1), 31-33. Retrieved October 19, 2007, from Research Library database. (Document ID: 1328388061).
This author recognizes that different students learn differently and suggests that case-studies are an effective tool for teaching to students in videoconference classes. This article will be most useful in my discussion of the current trends for distance learning, but also could provide insight into the future of D.E. classes and of course, how the teaching of some subjects is changing to adapt to the new D.E. technologies.
Acar, A. (2007). Teaching languages from a distance through multipoint videoconferencing. Foreign Language Annals, 40(2), 311-319. Retrieved October 19, 2007, from Research Library database. (Document ID: 1303876861).
This article focuses on a pilot program in teaching Turkish 102 via a multi-point video conference. The authors suggests that multi-point video conferences are not common (I beg to differ) and that as a result, a new approach for interacting with the distant students should be considered. Again, I believe this article will be helpful to me when I discuss the current use of videoconferencing classes, and may be useful when I discuss how institutions should conduct D.E. classes in the future.
Ozdemir, Z. Abrevaya, J. (2007). Adoption of technology-mediated distance education: a longitudinal analysis. Information & Management, 44(5), 467. Retrieved October 19, 2007, from ABI/INFORM Global database. (Document ID: 1307668361).
This study provides insight into which factors affected the adoption of different types if distance learning technologies as well as enrollment in those schools that have provided D.E. courses. This information will be particularly useful when I discuss the history of distance education and its current uses. It will also be useful when I predict which technologies will be utilized in the future.
Personally, I find great value in learning in the classroom, but I do agree with your argument that schools must somewhat conform to technology and provide educational options for distance learning.
Using your theories, you could help predict how distance education may or may not be a better option than traditional education. Maybe you will even find out that it makes no different whether a student learns online or in the classroom.
I’d like to see risks associated with distance learning. Will students be more apt to cheat online? How will teachers/professors establish trust and credibility with the student? Can all subjects utilize distance learning?
By: anniekatrina on October 22, 2007
at 10:07 pm
I think there is a certain hands-on factor of being in a classroom that distance learning will never be able to achieve. However, digital media technologies are closing that gap as much as possible. It will be interesting to see what you think the future holds for DE.
By: cvellis on October 23, 2007
at 12:59 pm
It is great to see you find out some applicable theories to support your project. In the past proportion, maybe you can compare the advantages and disadvantages between traditional education and distance learning. Is the distance learning much better than traditional eduction and does it desire that we spend most money and energy to develop it?
Secondly, I agree with the sugguestion about risks and problems associate with distance learning. It is a practical part of discussing distance education because the risks always happen in real life.
By: yijen on October 23, 2007
at 2:09 pm
I’m interested to hear your specific thoughts on why you think it is essential for schools to embrace D.E. and how much of the curriculum should be offered via D.E. vs. the traditional classrooms environment, as well as how schools will find the right mix.
It will be particularly interesting to learn what you find out about how different subjects are better or worse suited for D.E. and how certain subjects have been impacted by D.E.
Should be an interesting project!
By: Carie Burgess on October 23, 2007
at 2:28 pm