Blog critique #2-The future of distance learning

I enjoyed reading the blog at this link: http://maureengorman1.blogspot.com/2010/12/future-of-distance-learning.html which projected the future of distance learning, collaboration, and communication.  One of the things the author projected, which I haven't thought of, is collaborating with others in the medical field to cure illnesses, cancer, etc.  The potential for collaborating online with people all over the world is only limited by our own expectations.

Blog critique #1 on distance education and collaboration

Blog critique of npwaymyers at http://waymyers-distanceedu.blogspot.com/2010/03/elements-of-distance-education.html

npwaymyers posted that “The way we communicate continually evolves; therefore the way we collaborate will continue to evolve”. I agree with this comment as communication tools and expectations have changed over time as our society has become exposed to tools via the World Wide Web.  At one time we would have only found face-to-face communication as acceptable.  Now, with social networking and other online communication tools such as Skype, our society finds it normal to communicate online.  This acceptance has merged with our collaboration in work and schools lives as well.

Elements of Distance Education Diffusion-EDUC 7102 Module 2

With the growth of distance education and training over the last several years, collaboration tools have allowed for effective learning experience for students and educators.  There are benefits of collaborating online such as the ability to communicate synchronously and asynchronously.  Participants can be located anywhere in the world and may participate in anyplace at anytime.  Lauron (2008) wrote about several innovative collaboration tools available to online learners such as:

1.     “Synchronous conferencing which consist of text chat technologies, audio/video conferencing or instant messaging systems” (Lauron, 2008, p. 5).  Some examples of synchronous conferencing tools include:  Jabber, Internet Relay Chat, MUDs, and WebChats.

2.     Electronic mail or e-mail. 

3.     Instant Messaging. 

4.     Voicemail.

5.     Internet Forums. Forums include “ web forums, message boards, discussion boards, (electronic) discussion groups, discussion forums, bulletin boards, fora (the Latin plural) or simply forums” Lauron, 2008, p. 6).

6.     Videoconference which is a “set of interactive telecommunication technologies and video conference which allow two or more locations to interact via two-way video and audio transmissions simultaneously” Lauron, 2008, p. 7).

7.     Electronic Meeting System which is a “is a type of computer software that facilitates group decision-making within an organisation. To work with such a system, networked computers, a projection screen, and EMS software are required” Lauron, 2008, p. 8).

Online collaboration tools have allowed for learning to take place in different ways than face-to-face education.  While learning in this way is not the same as face-to-face education, distances learning through these tools have paved their way to a new form of education which allows students new opportunities in communication, knowledge, and experience. 

Lauron, A. G. (2008). Fostering Collaboration to Enhance Online Instruction. Online Submission, Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

The need for evolution in distance education by Nancy Musice

The biggest reason that distance education needs to evolve to the next generation is a higher demanding learner base.  Moller, Foshay, and Huett (2008) found that there is an increasing need for training and teaching in distance education.  Employers have found that as employees are located in various parts of the world, conducting online training is essential.  In addition, the authors found that both K-12 and higher education has faced increasing demands for online courses and instruction. 

Whether the learner is located in a business or school environment, all of the authors recommend a change in instruction.  Taking traditional seated classroom instruction material is not effective for online instruction.  In addition, online instructors need training in instructional design for e-learning.  Huett, Moller, Foshay, and Coleman, (2008) wrote “It is incumbent upon all professionals with a commitment to the potential of technology in education and training, no matter what their theoretical or ideological bent, to think outside the box, to collaborate and to advance the common vision” (p. 66).

I agree that distance education cannot be delivered as the traditional “craft approach” (Moller, Foshay, Huett, 2008, p. 67).  Instructors can take their traditional ideas and deliver them in a way that reaches students who have a variety of learning styles.  I also feel as if instructors should take a training course in distance education before they teach an online course.  With consideration of various learning styles and needs, distance education can be a positive experience for instructors and students. 

Huett, J., Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Coleman, C. (2008). The Evolution of Distance Education: Implications for Instructional Design on the Potential of the Web. TechTrends: Linking Research & Practice to Improve Learning, 52(5), 63-67. doi:10.1007/s11528-008-0199-9.

Moller, L., Forshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008). The Evolution of Distance Education: Implications for Instructional Design on the Potential of the Web. TechTrends: Linking Research & Practice to Improve Learning, 52(3), 70-75. doi:10.1007/s11528-008-0158-5.

Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008). The Evolution of Distance Education: Implications for Instructional Design on the Potential of the Web. TechTrends: Linking Research & Practice to Improve Learning, 52(4), 66-70. doi:10.1007/s11528-008-0179-0.