Distance Learning Kari Showers and Heather Winters
What is Distance Learning?! • Education in which students take academic courses by accessing information and communicating with the instructor asynchronously over a computer network
Examples of Distance Learning • Podcasting • Online classes • Videoconferencing
Podcasting • Web-based audio broadcast via an RSS feed, accessed by subscription over the Internet • Available for downloading
Online Classes • Students of all ages can participate in education courses online • Proper internet and registration is necessary to be able to participate • Course objectives are the same as classroom objectives
Example of Online Classes… • Cyber School • College Universities • IT Schools
Videoconferencing • a teleconference conducted via television equipment
Example of using videoconferencing… • Wilson County School in Tennessee • If a subject is not taught in a certain district, videoconferencing can be used to allow the students to take the course • Example: Math. Wilson Country School videoconferences with Watertown High School
Florida Virtual School • Founded in 1997 • Largest online public school in the country • 60,000 high school and middle school students • Only 5% are full-time • Now are available at elementary level • Students taught “asynchronous learning” • Also uses web conferencing and collaboration tools
“asynchronous learning” • Students log in to the course management system • Read teachers lesson plans • Submit Homework online • E-mail, call or use online discussion boards for help
web conferencing and collaboration tool • Allows teachers to give lectures • Write on online interactive whiteboards • Deliver PowerPoint or short video presentations • Students and Teachers can also use instant messenger or talk • “it’s an opportunity to engage with students and teach in a synchronous way,” • According to David Bass, director of information systems and support
Pros and Cons • There are many pros and cons of doing the distance learning • These consist of…
Pros… • Flexibility • Convenience • Availability
Pros… • Cost • Self-directed • Time Spent in Classroom
Pros… • Accessibility • Better for some learners • No Travel Expense
Pros… • Doesn’t interrupt job or career • Geographic Location • Work at your own pace
Pros… • Personal expressions • Focused on Student Responses • Meet with students from all over the world
Pros… • Equality • Racial • Sex • Religion • Disability • Student participation
Cons… • No one-on-one contact • Perceptions/ Reputation • Requires new skills/technologies
Cons… • No social interaction with classmates • Making Time • Little Support
Cons… • No Campus atmosphere • Requires extra time • Start computer • Internet connection • Software programs • Budget
Cons… • Adjusting to time Scheduling • Example: taking a class in a different time zone • Feelings of isolation from school • Discipline/ Self-motivated • To do work at right times
Things to keep in mind… • Distance learning may require more discipline and self-discipline than traditional courses that meet face to face • Consider both advantages and disadvantages • Consider you needs: • Professional priorities • Personal circumstances
Future of Distance Learning! • The learners and technology will drive the future of distance learning.
Sources… • Aranda, Natalie. "The Pros and Cons of Distance Learning." EZine Articles. 23 Mar. 2009 <http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Pros-and-Cons-of-Distance-Learning&id=248909E>. • Hansen, Randall S. "Distance Learning Pros and Cons." Quint Careers. 23 Mar. 2009 <http://www.quintcareers.com/distance_learning_pros-cons.html>. • "What are the positive and negative aspects of online learning?" ELearners.com. 23 Mar. 2009 <http://www.elearners.com/resources/elearning-faq5.asp>."
