Selecting Technology of Distance Education

Scenario: Interactive tours

A high school history teacher, located in the west would like to showcase new exhibits being held at two prominent New York City museums to her students. The teachers goal is to have her students take a tour of the museums and interact with the museum curators, in addition, to see and critique two individual art pieces. As a novice of distance learning and technology, the teacher has turned to the districts instructional designer to make this learning experience happen. As the ID, what distance learning technologies would you recommend where the teacher can provide the most effective learning experience for her students?

 According to the media program, “The Technology of Distance Education” defines media “sharing are web sites that facilitate the sharing content and artifacts such as text, pictures, videos, presentations, and audio files.” Media sharing would be a tool for the history teacher to engage her students in a “tour” of the two prominent New York City museums where the students can explore the museums through the aspects of media sharing. In today’s society students of all ages especially high school students’ use technology like it is second nature. Thus, using media sharing will allow and require the students to learn using “effective communication requires an active audience” (2009).

Another technology that I would suggest to the history teacher is a blogging site. The objective of blogging stated by Technology of Distance Education “is to build an online community of interest around a blogger’s writing. Blogs, which are also asynchronous, may include text, images, or links to audio, video and to other Web pages.” Blogging would be an effective tool for the students to communicate and critique the two individual pieces of art. In addition, blogging would allow the students to interact with each other rather than sitting in a traditional classroom and the teacher prompting discussions.

I did some exploring on the internet using Google search where I typed the keywords “media sharing” and “media sharing sites”. I discovered a school website that has a few pages that are delegated to media sharing and multimedia project helpers. Another site that I discovered which is very similar to what I use in the classroom is Discovery streaming is TeacherTube. This site of media sharing allows the learning to come alive, in addition, to optimize the learning of distance education as well as hybrid classrooms.

http://www.warrensburgr6.org/education/components/scrapbook/default.php?sectiondetailid=10560

http://www1.teachertube.com/

Resources

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., ALbright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2009). Teaching and Learning at a Distance: FOundations of Distance Education. NewYork: Pearson.

University, W. (Director). (n.d.). The Technology of Distance Education [Motion Picture].

Defintion & Future of Distance Learning

Distance Learning

Distance learning is a working definition that changes along with the advances in telecommunication and demands of learning/training. The evolution of distance learning since 1833 can be observed on the timeline of distance learning within our week one video resources.

Through the various definitions of distance learning, the main idea of all is the separation of teacher and learner. However, the supporting details of distance learning may vary according to experience, profession, and technology. According to the textbook, Teaching and Learning at a Distance: Foundations of Distance Education fourth edition identifies the main arteries of distance learning are: institutionally base, separation of teacher and learner via time zone or geography, interactive telecommunications, and the connection between learner, resources, and instructor.

After working, reading, and collaborating with classmates on the concept of distance learning, my knowledge and view of distance learning has evolved from what it once was. At first, I thought of distance learning as a diploma mill and watered down education. However, due to my professional growth, becoming a distance learner, and position as a Director of Education I have developed an understanding and need for distance learning. In addition, the learning is and maybe just as effective and efficient as a traditional classroom setting.

As a student of distance learning, my profession as an educator and passion for learning, I have a strong vision for distance learning. With the advances in telecommunication, need for flexible education, and budget cuts in K-12 education I agree with Dr. Simonson where he states that distance learning will continue to advance similar to a normal bell curve. Once distance learning reaches the top of the bell curve it will just need to be maintained with the improvements and need for distance learning.

In conclusion, distance learning, especially in K-12 education will continue to grow when traditional public schools are not meeting their AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) report and continued budget cuts. Therefore, more students will make the transition to distance learning where they are able to obtain better teacher student rations, catch up, or get the best education position. In addition, with the advances in telecommunication, the ability to interact with student through a variety of ways rather than just discussion board will enhance the learning experience of distance learners.

Resources

Simonson, D. (Director). (n.d.). Distance Education [Motion Picture].

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., ALbright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2009). Teaching and Learning at a Distance: FOundations of Distance Education. NewYork: Pearson.

Distance Learning MindMap