We have learned from the past that technology advances based upon human desires and acceptability. Siemens (2008) discussed the importance of comfort and technology when looking at how distance education is and will evolve. The more exposure that people have with social media and multi-media technology online the more likely that these tools will be recognized as acceptable communication technologies for distance education.
I agree with Siemens that the way that we communicate is increasing the acceptance of distance education. In our work place and leisure communication is now moving from land lines to computers and mobile devices. As this unique, convenient and efficient way of communicating expands people will become comfortable with these new ways of communicating. Individuals are realizing that with increased day to day demands these simplified and convenient ways of communication enable other task to be done without disruption. As people commute more and are able to put in additional hours at work – they can also begin to understand that distance education will allow additional study time. Work can be done at flexible hours and communication with individuals on other time zones can be better managed with virtual environments, i.e having a conference call with your pajamas on!
Online tools that are facilitating this type of technologies are Skype, Twitter, Facebook, Youtube.com, Multi-media video sharing and blog sites, to name a few. These type of tools allow communication with individuals around the world for work and leisure. I see more technologies being developed that allow the convenience of virtual collaboration but a personal feel.
References
Laureate Education, Inc. (2008). The Future of Distance Education. On Principles of Distance Education. Baltimore: Author.
Palloff, R. M., & Pratt, K. (2005). Collaborating online: Learning together in community. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Module 1 Blog Responses
I enjoyed reading Jami Washington’s Techtopia blog regarding the perspectives of online learning. Visit her blog at http://jamiwashington.blogspot.com/ to see what I had to say on this topic.
Marlon Wades blog on ROI with improving online learning was very informative. Visit his blog to read my feedback at http://cybergogue.blogspot.com/.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Module 1 The Next Generation of Distance Education
The three part study conducted by Moller, Huett, Foshay and Coleman believe that there is a need to evolve distance education to the next generation. I support this view point and strong believe that if e-learning doesn’t continue to evolve the current momentum will be lost. Dr. Simonson (2010) discuss that the distance learning is almost at the point of reaching the critical masses, where we will only need to nurture this innovation – each of these approaches will allow this. Thus the continuous development of e-learning environments and training is critical.
Huett, Moller and Foshay (2008) discuss key areas of focus when improving the e-learning model, a few of these areas quality, ROI and support are key in any business model. These areas not only affect student retention but also heavily impact the success of a student in being able to make a significant contribution to society. As technology changes and develops, e-learning should follow suit. Social networking and online collaboration are becoming more visible in businesses. This collaboration model should be used for teaching purposes to equip student with this experience as well as allow them an opportunity to be able to enhance this experience.
Dr. Simonson (2010) stated that there will always be classroom settings. Although I believe this to be the case for some programs that require a great deal of in the classroom hands-on experience. I believe that for other programs, especially research based programs – e-learning will become the main learning forum. As technology and familiarity with technology increase I am not oppose to e-learning dominating the research education industry.
References:
Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008a, 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.
Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008b, July/August). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the Web (Part 2: Higher Education). TechTrends, 52(4), 66–70.
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.
Simonson, M. (2000). Making decisions: The use of electronic technology in online classes. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 84, 29–34.
Simonson, M.. (n.d) “Distance Education: The Next Generation” Laureate Education, Inc. Retrieved September 11, 2010 http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?
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