Siemens (2008) listed the growing acceptance of distance education is fueled by the increase in online communication, practical experience with new tools, growing comfort with online discourse, and the ability to communicate with diverse and global groups. Distant education is growing more popular and is being accepted more widely. He discussed three possible elements of distant education that are creating more effective learning experiences and giving distant education and identity of its own, apart from face to face courses. They are global diversity, communication, and collaborative interaction. Collaboration has evolved by the use of virtual classrooms. Indiana University has acquired an island in Second Life. This island has seven different meeting places. They interact using avatars and communicate by chat or voice teleconferencing. Classrooms and conference rooms have a type of whiteboard which include a web browser for students to see the content of a specific web page. Instructors could upload their PowerPoint presentation to websites such as slideshare and then show them to their students within Second Life. Students can practice their 3D skills in the sandbox area. This is a site to see! Unfortunately, the island is constrained due to instruction. Second Life has to be downloaded and installed.
Collaboration dates back to Vygotsky, who stated that children learn from each other in a social setting. Collaboration in distant learning can increase students’ learning and higher order thinking.
Good post, I also agree that distance education is growing at a rapid pace. Distance education can allow you the opportunity to work at home or wherever you have access to your class portal. There are several positive attributes to distance learning along with negatives. I believe it is important that any online participant is comfortable with the online setting. You have to continue to stay motivate because you are doing a lot things on your own pace. You have to ensure all expectations are met on a timely manner as though you were in a traditional classroom setting. Overall, if you collaborate accordingly with you instructor and have a clear understanding of your expectation the online setting will be a good experience.
ReplyDeleteKeith
Tracy and Keith,
ReplyDeleteIt is unbelievable how quickly distance education is growing. When I began teaching 10 years ago, many teachers at my school did not respect distance education. Now, the majority of the teachers I work with who are obtaining Master's or Specialist's degrees are doing so online. Keith makes a good point that anyone who obtains their degree online must be comfortable with the online setting. Another quality of a distance learner that I feel is important is self discipline and time management. Without going to a face to face class, it would be easy to put off assignments until the last minute without those qualities.
Jennifer
Tracy,
ReplyDeleteIt is so interesting the approach that Indiana University takes with distance education. I think this is a great way to motivate and engage adult learners!! It changes it from just being papers and posts, to being more actively involved in the learning process! Very interesting! Great Post!!
Rachel