According to historical trends, distance education will continue to grow with time; however, there may not be much difference in its design. Huett, Molley, Foshay, and Coleman (2008) all believe that one way to ensure the success of distance education is with trained professionals for instructional design team. So often faculty try to replicate an instructional design from face-to-face classes to a distance learning class and it's not successful (Simonson, 2008b). Simonson (2008b) discusses further the need for equivalency between distance education and face-to-face instruction. He states that the goal should be to achieve the same learning outsomes and within distance education, one must provide the technology resources need to achieve such outcomes.
As I reflect on distance education courses I've taken over the years, I can relate to what Simonson is saying. I've taken some classes where it was only discussion boards. The instructor was trying to hold the same discussions online as he would in the classroom without providing additional resources for the discussion. This format did not work for me as a learner and I felt that the class was a waste of time. As a potential candidate for instructing distance courses, I will have to keep in mind Simonson's Theory of Equivalency and how it can determine the success of the course.
Huett, J., Moller, L., Foshay, W.R., & Coleman, C. (2008). Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web (part 3). Tech Trends, 52(5), 63-67.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008b). Equivalency Theory [Video program]. Available from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5260640&Survey=1&47=9024095&ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1
Distance learning has its advantages and disadvantages. One of the advantages is flexible time, twenty-four access to classroom. Distance learning can usually be completed on your own schedule, it is much easier to complete distance learning courses while working than more traditional educational programs. Keeping your job gives you more income, experience and stability while completing your degree giving you less to worry about and more time to focus on your studies. It’s also allows you to interact with students from across the country. Some of the disadvantages to distance learning is that does not work for all students. Some students have to receive face-to-face instructions and are not motivate to start assignments on their own. If the classroom environment is what you love most about learning you may want to take a step back and reconsider distance learning. You’ll likely get some interaction on chat rooms, discussion boards and through email, but the experience will be quite different than traditional courses. It is also important that instructor be very clear with directions and instructions.
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Leandra, the worst online experience I had was in a masters program where the prof took the class as an add-on. He had a graduate asssistant and neither one had time to spend in the class. So as students we felt very on our own. -- Carol
ReplyDeleteI have learned so much through the discussion board. It is knowledge of reinforcement. This allows collaborations to work best by using the community or team member to develop cognitive ability to understand the subject matter. I am one those learner who need collaboration. In teaching, I use peer groups because many of my students need additional help. Teamwork is a powerful tool. It has always worked in manufactory in building a product.
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