Selecting Distance Learning Technologies.

The beauty of distance education is it can be tailored for specific topics, learning styles and learners. Meaning, depending on the subject matter different distance learning technologies can be used in order to ensure the information is being absorbed by the learner. This week my school assignment is to explain which distance learning technologies I would consider using for a biodiesel manufacturing plant that needs safety training modules for all of their staff. Immediately, what came to mind is having MyMedia or a video program within the training module for the learners. I believe for safety training it is important to give visuals that show the most effective and safest ways to complete a task. This would also allow for visual and auditory learners to understand the material as the video would have audio commentary and real life examples. The one thing I would keep in mind is to ensure the videos delivery the material effectively but do not come across as condescending or talking down to learner.

The textbook used in my course outlines some effective steps for implementing online technologies. Step 1 is to access available instructional technologies. This means to understand the lowest common technologies that the learner will require for the course. Step 2 is to determine the learning outcomes. For my instruction for the biodiesel manufacturing plant this will be outlined by them as they have specific requirements for their learners. Step 3 ‘identify learning experiences and match each to the most appropriate available technology.” In this case I felt MyMedia or a similar technology to show the learner the information in a video format would be best. Step 4 “Preparing the learning experiences for online delivery” (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright & Zvacek, 2009). In this case this would mean organizing the material into topics and sections for the learner. This would allow the learner to see all details step by step and keep them engaged in the material. The other key detail for this training is to ensure the employee can demonstrate the learning objectives. In order to ensure they absorbed the material the learner would have an online quiz to complete and also need to demonstrate what they have learned with their Manager. This would be discusses with the organization to determine if they had the time and resources to conduct this test with each employee. If they could not than an instructor would be provided to review things with each learner.

To ensure my opinion of video programs in an online classroom are effective I researched my online library and the internet to determine if there were other situations where videos have been effective for the learner. I came across an excellent article The Comparative Instructional Effectiveness of Print-based and Video-Based Instructional Materials for Teaching Practical Skills at a Distance. This article reviews both sides and finds “video is useful to show practical and real life activities and that video can be used to capture hazardous and costly experiments for presentation and for repeated use.” (Donkor, 2010). Another source of interest was an article about Selecting Media for Distance Education (Ely, 2003). This article gave excellent tips on how to ensure you select the proper media source for your online classroom. Based on these sources and my own experiences with Media in the classroom, I feel including video for health and safety material will be the best plan for this organization.

Resources

Donkor, Francis. (2010) The Comparative Instructional Effectiveness of Print-Based and Video-Based Instructional Materials for Teaching Practical Skills at a Distance. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, Volume 11, Number 1.

Ely, Donald P (2003). Selecting Media for Distance Education. ERIC Clearinghouse on Information & Technology. Retrieved on 23 January 2010 from http://www.ericdigests.org/2005-2/media.html

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

Distance Learning - Mind Map.

Hi all,

Here is the link to my Mind Map that I created to explain my definition of Distance Learning.

Mind Map

Distance Learning -Is It The Future of Education?

In my opinion distance learning is learning that takes place in your own environment and for the most part is an independent learning experience than with a typical on campus or in classroom learning experiences. Before starting this program with Walden, I looked at distance learning differently as my only experience of distance learning was with a correspondence course when I was trying to make up a University credit. This was not an effective learning experience for me as it was self-taught and self-paced so I really struggled to enjoy the material and learn the requirements. At that time online learning was rare so my course consisted of reviewing a textbook, answering questions and a final written exam. It’s been almost five years since I took that class and we have come a long way with how we view distance education.

This week I began a module on distance learning. This week I learned many definitions for how distance learning can be defined. The common threat among these was that distance education means a separation of student and teacher. (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright & Zvacek, 2009). As an instructional designer this is definitely something that must be a realized in order to ensure directions, material and information is presented so the learner can complete their learning experience without immediately requiring an instructor. I did not learn too many new things this week about distance learning because I have been a distance learner for over a year now and work for an online university. These experiences have shaped my opinion and current definition on distance learning.

Before working and studying for an Online University I did not realize how distance learning brings people from all over the world together and allows us to connect collectively to broaden our learning experiences. I had more of an impression that online learners shared experiences but I did not really realize the impact of an international online classroom can shape your experience.

In my current role our whole business is built around distance learning. I work for an online University and currently am helping to review online classrooms before they launch and monitor online classrooms once they have gone “live”. Being a distance learning student while working for the same industry has given me excellent perspective for both roles. For my job I understand the quality we need to ensure we deliver for a student and as a student I know what quality should be available to me and what is possible in my learning environment. The one difference is in my work our University has more of an international demographic so this changes the design and capabilities of our online classroom as we need to ensure as many students as possible have the required components to be an online student.

It will be interesting to see where distance education is five years from now as already the online education environment is quite different from where I imagined education to go. In the Media program this week Dr Michael Simonson said he felt that education will grow significantly but will not replace traditional schools. (Laureate Online Education, 2010). I think he is wrong in some ways as for many their education will not be in a tradition school system. I believe more and more people are home schooling their children and online learning platforms help to ensure their children are learning the right curriculum. Also, I think many cannot afford to be a full-time student so they will be able to study online while still working. I believe there will be a rise in students completing their post-secondary education online.

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.

“Distance Education: The Next Generation” Laureate Online Education, 2010.