A Reflection on Distance Learning

Reflection

What do you think the perceptions of distance learning will be in the future (in 5–10 years; 10–20 years)?

            By creating and embracing a solid framework for online learning and employing cutting-edge learning management systems, higher education institutions are in a position to significantly improve student outcomes today and into the future.  As a result, offerings such as learning management systems are fast becoming a staple for any institution that offers, or plans to offer, online education. (Borden, Elearn Magazine) Additionally, as online learning continues to progress, instructors will also be held to a higher standard of excellence, driving increased demand for quality, tech-savvy instructors. I believe online learning will supplant traditional education and become highly respected and regarded as the number one means of educating learners in both an academic, and corporate environment. Universities will all offer online studies as  a part of their program, and perhaps face to face instruction might become available at a premium. This paradigm shift to a technical learning space will  create more opportunities for teachers and instructors. There will be newer and interesting aspects of the job, as well as titles that will determine job descriptions in technical teaching.

How can you as an instructional designer be a proponent for improving societal perceptions of distance learning?

            The role, of instructional designer, is to be a proponent of distance learning. That is inherent in the description of their daily duties.  The ID provides a technological solution to aid in learning experiences. This includes the blending of traditional face to face learning into a distance learning experience.  As an ID, this would start with reputation, and delivering experienced and dependable research. Additionally the accreditation issue plays an important role in societal perceptions of distance learning. By its own nature, accreditation constitutes a public commitment to continuous improvement. However, being accredited is not merely meeting externally imposed criteria argued Stephens (2003). It is about demonstrating to all internal and external stakeholders the institution's professional stance and positive attitude towards learning and business improvement. From this perspective, accreditation has been looked at as an important factor in strengthening a university's image, values and reputation (Fombrun and Shanley, 1990).

How will you be a positive force for continuous improvement in the field of distance education?

            Lay claim to the designs and unique styles that can be created using the technology available. Also, keep abreast of the upcoming technologies that are new and exciting. As an ID, I can focus on the latest educational journals. I will challenge myself to be a beacon of creativity, and never be content with the status quo.

                                                                     References

Borden, J. (n.d.). elearn Magazine: The Future of Online Learning. eLearn Magazine. Retrieved June 22, 2013, from http://elearnmag.acm.org/featured.cfm?aid=2024704

Fombrun, C. and Shanley, M., "What's in a Name? Reputation Building and Corporate Strategy". Academy of Management Journal, Vol. 33(2), 1990, 233-258.

Application: Converting to a Distance Learning Format

Application: Converting to a Distance Learning Format

Consider the following scenario: A training manager has been frustrated with the quality of communication among trainees in his face-to-face training sessions and wants to try something new. With his supervisor’s permission, the trainer plans to convert all current training modules to a blended learning format, which would provide trainees and trainers the opportunity to interact with each other and learn the material in both a face-to-face and online environment. In addition, he is considering putting all of his training materials on a server so that the trainees have access to resources and assignments at all times.

What are some of the pre-planning strategies the trainer needs to consider before converting his program?

            One can conclude, after examining the various tools and approaches for distance learning, that there is one primary purpose: to provide a valuable learning experience for students who might not otherwise have access to learning (Simonson, Smaldino, Alright, & Zvacek, 2009). Before anything else starts, the trainer/instructor needs to identify the needs of the learning. Again, we covered this in our earlier Introduction to ID course where we should consult SME, and persons who hold a stake in the process. Use the ADDIE model to help implement your design phase, and evaluate ad reevaluate what's working, and what's not working.

What aspects of his original training program could be enhanced in the distance learning format?

            The face to face approach is not working very well, so the trainer needs to take some time to think plan, and story board how to put the learning plan into action. There's different ways which he could design and approach it from a technical aspect. The offerings for web 2.0 and CMS tools offer an abundance of tech solutions. For online courses, instructors should consider ways to communicate with students prior to he beginning of the course. For many successful online instructors found that a simple letter to the students with essential information can alleviate many frustrations on the part of instructors and the students. (Simonson)

•  Establish a set of guidelines for appropriateness. As an introductory assignment, have students follow a link to netiquette guidelines or create their own.

• Be very specific about the quality and level of posts you expect. Be prepared to demonstrate and reiterate what you want in several ways for students who are unfamiliar with online learning.

How will his role, as a trainer, change in a distance learning environment?

He will become more of a facilitator

His management of the learning will be more apparent

There will be additional communication ideas and more technical aspects

He will have to become a technical expert

There will be some naysayers, and he will have to market and promote the Course application and learning CMS

What steps should the trainer take to encourage the trainees to communicate online?

·        Use the internet web tools such as Emodo,  twitter, Facebook, social media

·        Encourage asynchronous discussion through the use of wikis.

·        Wikis encourage collaboration.

·        Use share board tools, media which allow users to participate in live discussions.

·        Post a discussion area where discussion is pertinent and worthwhile.

·        Post interesting thought provoking questions which require the learner to do independent research.

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References

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2009). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (4th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.

Application: Blog—The Impact of Open Source

Application: Blog—The Impact of Open Source

 

Eric Cartmenez
"How Do I reach these Kids?"

            When I had first heard about free courses for learning, I was on the social site reddit. There was a post about the pros and cons of online learning, specifically how schools are somehow manipulative when offering courses at extravagant prices. The debate was in regards to accreditation, and how free learning should be available to everyone, and not just those who could afford the privilege. This is the focus of openculture. I really like how this site is set up in a blog type format. Open Culture brings together high-quality cultural & educational media for the worldwide lifelong learning community. Web 2.0 has given us great amounts of intelligent audio and video. It’s all free. It’s all enriching. But it’s also scattered across the web, and not easy to find. Our whole mission is to centralize this content, curate it, and give you access to this high quality content whenever and wherever you want it.

            Openculture in itself isn’t the learning platform. Instead editor Dan Colman scours the web for the best educational media. He finds the free courses and audio books and post them as an update regularly. So essentially, you could be taking a public speaking course at Penn State, or an Intro to Engineering course at MIT. Their mission is to centralize this content, curate it, and give you access to this high quality content whenever and wherever you want it. It has 6 main sections: Audiobooks, Online courses, Movies, Language lessons, e-Books and Textbooks.

            This isn’t how the textbook lays out how the course should be laid out. However the way in which it is presented is excellent. It informs the user briefly about the course prior to having them visit the schools site. The work has been done for the user and they even let us know if taking the course will yield a certificate or credential. Learners have become so tech-savvy that to catch up with them and maintain their interest, teachers have to be a couple of steps ahead.

            My guess is people will come for the movies, and stay for the courses, I couldn’t help but view this website as bound up with the issue of self-motivation. Without a strong desire to learn, I fear that users will inevitably drift towards the “junk food” part of the buffet. (Rossoff, 2011) That’s my sentiment as well. I feel as though I would take a course that is free if It offered a certificate and transcript that I can show to employers that is valid. With a large buffet of learning to acquire, can it be successful without students motivation to learn?

                                                                     References

Rossoff, F. (2011, December 7). EdLab Review: OpenCulture | EdLab. EdLab | A Research, Design and Development unit at Teachers College, Columbia University. Retrieved June 3, 2013, from http://edlab.tc.columbia.edu/index.php?q=node/6906