Distance Learning
Distance learning (education) has become an integral part of the education process over the past few decades and is growing in popularity as technology advances.(Willis 1992) describes distance education (as) "the organizational framework andprocess of providing instruction at a distance. Distance education takes place when ateacher and student(s) are physically separated, and technology…(is) used to bridge theinstruction gap." (Coutts 1996). Furthermore, "distance learning activities are designedto fit the specific context for learning, the nature of the subject matter; intended learningoutcomes, needs and goals of the learner, the learner's environment and the instructional echnologies and methods." (American
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Also technological decisions should be based on instructional content, the need for involvement, and the particular learning outcomes desired. (Counts 1996)
"There is some evidence that the success of distance education in schools depends largely on the effectiveness of the teacher, and that this is in turn depends on the teacher's knowledge, skills, enthusiasm, and commitment to innovation." (Moore & Thompson 1990).
When planning distance education, Willis (1998) lists a few factors to consider:
Distance education is about increasing access, not saving money. The technical, logistical and support costs can be very high. Therefore, the financial aspects must be considered.
Nothing should be assumed. Decisions should be based on definable problems and tangible customer needs. A needs assessment, though time consuming, may be worth the time to complete.
Realize that good plans are never finished. Rather than wait until all issues are resolved and a long-term plan in place, resolve the immediate issues, get started, and follow an approach that enables you to do short- and intermediate-term planning while completing the tasks at hand.
Share assumptions with stakeholders. Too often administrators and technologists make distance delivery decisions without the informed participation
Setting up a Distance Learning Task Force is necessary to assess university resources, and student needs (Hillman & Corkery, 2010). This will allow administration to have all the facts needed to decide on a path. Task Force determines the expansiveness of the online program and the courses implemented (Hillman & Corkery, 2010). Departmental head’s research will navigate the universities decisions. Students take classes towards specific degrees, which the Task Force identifies. Priority of classes should focus on gaps in regionally based education (Hillman & Corkery, 2010). The Task Force efforts in developing a rationale has an effect on university
Distance Education is connected to the conveyance of classroom substance to understudies who are either on or off grounds and spotlights on understudies isolated from each other and from the instructor.19 This learning action incorporates access to direction that is autonomous of time and place limits.
For the years, many individuals have decided to pursue their education via distance learning. Distance learning has given individuals the opportunity to learn and study course material at their own pace. Distance learning offers many advantages. First, many enjoy the convenience of distance learning that works around their schedule. Second, distance learning offers flexibility to learners with no set time to complete assignments and readings. A leaner is the master of their own schedule and can choose a time that works best for them (Study magazine). Lastly, the cost of distance learning is often cheaper than traditional education, with no added expenses.
All three participates feel that there is a lot that can be done with distance learning. The technology is there. Participant one stated “we have the technology, but our students still
Distance learning is a way of continuing your education online, and more people are signing up for courses every day. There are many advantages of distance learning and also benefits of distance learning when compared to the traditional continued education options.
Many advocates of distance education are ardent about their venue and very critical of traditional education. These online education devotees view traditional classes as being unchangeable, inflexible, teacher-centered, and static (Angiello, 2010). However, proponents argue that many simply would not be able to get a degree without distance education—the full-time police officer, the mother of four, or the individual living in a rural area approximately 100-200 miles away from any educational institution. Many individuals desperately need distance education courses because they "have jobs, families, civic responsibilities. They are thirsting. But some want us to say, 'Sorry you don’t want to drink the water there, but we can’t bottle our fresh spring water, so you’ll have to come here or drink nothing" (Baker, 1986). Proponents contend that distance education is "as good as" traditional education. In other words, learning occurs as much in distance education as it does in traditional education. However, is this really so? Does distance education work better for some students
Successful online students understand that their instructors are facilitators of their learning process and that the individual student must be a dedicated and goal-oriented self-starter. Online students are motivated and goal-oriented. They put their schoolwork at the top of their list of priorities. Students who enjoy face-to-face immediate interactions in a room environment may not a "good fit." For distance education. Distance education students are basically Independent Learners and feel comfortable in taking responsibility for their own learning process. Though. interactions between the student and instructor, they may not receive an immediate response. Successful DL students must be self-disciplined and goal-oriented students are expected
Now some open universities are providing academic services in the form of online course material, interactive classes and online teaching and learning facilities to the student community with the help of information and communication technology. ICT based Distance Education (DE) has come to stay in the
Online education, also called long distant learning, can be defined as a new method of learning through a computer network. This modern way of teaching gives students an opportunity to take classes online. Bill Gates
Distance learning does not provide the advantage of building a strong academic or interpersonal relationship with your Instructor. It also does not allow you to express your individuality in the classroom. Distance learning is more of a multimedia-type learning than anything else. This is because distance learning is accomplished via the Internet. Receiving instruction via the Internet is analogous to receiving instruction to, say, a CD ROM.
Distance education has evolved in various ways over the last one hundred years. ELearning theories have influenced distance education practice throughout the years in various ways. Anderson (2008) states, how “Good theory helps us to envision new worlds, makes things, and keeps us honest. (p. 46).” The blend of online learning theories such as behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, and the online collaborative theory, have all played a major role in this influence. These theories continue to change how educators teach. It also helps educators to understand how students learn. As eLearning theories progress, they continue to have a direct effect on distance education practice. ELearning theory has cause a shift in teaching pedagogies within distance education.
Pepicello’s ideas and philosophies about distance education were stimulating and thought-provoking. While he did not necessarily know that higher education was where he wanted to spend his career, it was his passion, so he followed it (Pepicello, personal communication, June 22, 2016). Eventually, he would cross paths with John Sperling, the founder of UoP, who he considers a visionary and his most influential leader and mentor: “He took me from a doubter to one of the most vigorous proponents of distance education in the country” (Personal communication, June 19, 2016). Pepicello’s passion for higher education and his eventual passion for distance education, then, guided
Distance education can provide increased flexibility, access and cost- effectiveness in nursing education. As a result, e- learning is increasingly viewed as an economical way of expanding educational activities, broadening opportunities for students in all sectors of the nation, with the use of these new technologies, students could meet real-world demands. In order to give proper guidance educators needs to meet the requirement of achieving technique competencies as well. nursing faculty members, it is essential to consider the three roles as collaborator, director of learning and expected to be a role model. to foster innovation in nursing education more collaboration among educators are encouraged. There are certain principles for best practices distance education programs is still relevant for successful quality education.
The cost of distance education is lower than traditional education. Tuition itself can result up to four hundred dollars cheaper online than on a campus. While four hundred dollars may not seem like a big difference after a while, four hundred dollars can accumulate into a lot of money. Apart from tuition one can also save on other things like gasoline and parking fees. Since the educating is taking place online, the only thing needed is internet; there is no need to buy gasoline since one
Education is an important part of people’s lives; it will either make them or break them in the future depending on the careers they choose. Education is greatly diverse today in comparison to the 1950s because of advancements in teaching and other great inventions that provide easier techniques of teaching. One major issue that has been raised is distant learning courses and online education.