Distance Learning
Distance Learning
teaching
Who? : - instructors (teachers) - learners (students) = high school students = military = involved in highereducation = corporate training = those pursuing continuing education
Why? : - strive to cope with the lifestyle - changing demands of the economies and societies in which they live - To reach underserved and advanced students - To reach learners in different geographic locations - rural areas, as well as cities across the United States, Canada, and the world - Course enrichment and staff development - Institutions and organizations are also using distance learning to save on the cost of training and to offer just-in-time training to individuals and employees in remote location.
How : (how do instructors select a distance learning modality?) -always perform an analysis of the needs of the learner ,the instruction, and the proposed medium for delivery. (how do learners select a distance learning modality?) - they should engage in distance learning if their desire is strong. - assess the availability of the course or training in the different modalities. - modality that offers:-the greatest schedule and location flexibility - access to the most resources - the most comfortable environment for discussion and critical thinking. - better matches his/her learning style
Effectiveness : how effective it is depends largely on: - the methods and technology used - student-to-student and student-to-instructors interactions
Technology : The types of available technologies used in distance education are divided into two groups: synchronous learning and asynchronous learning. Synchronous modality media-used to facilitate live communication between learners and instructors. Example: interactive television, audiographics, computer conferencing, and live Internet chat. Asynchronous used to bridge time even instructor or learner at different location. Example: video and recordings, e-mail, bulletin board and etc.
Advantage/benefit ? : Synchronous communication: Providing immediate access and feedback from the instructor Live interaction is greater than the drawbacks of commitment to schedule and/ or location Asynchronous learning: Providing the learner and instructor with a choice of location and time Have positive effects by making learners and instructors more objective, less fearful of comment or criticism, less prone to cultural barriers