Issues in Distance Education

An Thuy DuongBeth CollumMichael Virgil

Contents

Distance Education1.

Issues Facing Distance Education2.

Distance Education Strategies3.

The Future of Distance Education4.

Distance Education

Refers to an organized program of instruction in which the teacher and learners are physically separated.

Is also known as e-learning, distance learning, distributed learning, distributed education, open learning, and open education.

Distance Learning Settings

Instructional Radio Instructional Television

Internet-based Learning

Computer-based Learning

Distance Education: Why?

Time/ Convenience

Physical geography Individual

disability

Reaching new audiences

Institutional resources

Personal Resources

ACCESS

Issues in Distance Education

Faculty

Administrative/ Institutional

Students

Technology

Faculty Issues

Standardized delivery across formats

Few choices in delivery

Didactic

Split functions

Students Issues

Standardized content

Non-constructivist

Few choices

Passive role

Administrative/ Institutional Issues

Administrative systems and policies

Faculty and student computer skills

Assurance of learning

Security

Technology Issues

Quality factors

Misuse of technology

Problems with equipment

Cost of technology

Present Strategies

Use Active Strategies

Set Standards & Expectations

Keep Everyone Tuned in

Encourage Dialogue

Become Familiar with Technical Issues

Active Learning

If you tell me, I will listen

If you show me, I will see

If you let me experience, I will learn.

Lao Tzu (6th Century BC)

Learning Method % Learned

Teach Others 90%

Learn by Doing 75%

Discussion Groups 50%

Demonstration 30%

Audio Visual 20%

Lecture 5%

Reconceptualizing Effective Learning

(a) Source: Andersen Consulting.

How People Learn

EMERGING TRENDS IN POST SECONDARY EDUCATION - THE VIEW TO 2012 by Michael T. Moe, CFA and Chief Executive Officer, ThinkEquity Partners

Strategies

1. Ensure Faculty Access to Instructional Design and Systems Support

2. Provide Adequate Faculty Development Opportunities

3. Provide Technical Support for Faculty and Students

4. Provide Adequate Learning Management System

5. Establish Institutional Parameters for Online Operation

Strategies

6. Integrate Institutional Administrative Systems and Tools

7. Provide Clear Institutional Policies on Intellectual Property

8. Define the Role of Online Education in the Mission of the Institution

9. Develop Institutional Policy for Compensating and Rewarding Faculty and Academic Units

10. Provide Copyright and Permissions Support and Policies

Student Support

Orientation

Accessibility

Student Services

Helpdesk

Technology and the Future

Infrastructure Basics of Distance Education

Technology Training Would you feel comfortable teaching an online class? How would you instruct? Chat?

Learning Management System

Helpdesk

Future of Distant Education

Blended Technology http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIfrlF7LPoY

• Combining classroom learning with distance learning (ie. classroom – once per month)

Future of Distant Education

The Next Wave of Learners

Future of Distant Education

Connections

Conclusion

1. Distance Education Refers to an organized program of instruction in which the teacher and learners are physically separated.

2. Issues Facing Distance EducationFaculty IssuesStudent IssuesAdministrative Issues

3. Distance Education StrategiesFaculty access to support and technology

Provide clear policies and procedures

4. The Future of Distance EducationNext wave of softwareNext Wave of learners

References

Clark, T. Virtual schools: Trends and issues. Phoenix, AZ: WestEd Distance Learning Resource Network, 2001). Retrieved October 4, 2012, http://www.wested.org/cs/we/view/rs/610.

Setzer, J. C., and L. Lewis. Distance education courses for public elementary and secondary school students: 2002–03 (NCES 2005–010). U.S. Department of Education. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistics, 2005

Barbour, M. K., & Reeves, T. C. (2009). The reality of virtual schools: A review of the literature. Computers and Education.

U.S. Department of Education. Issue brief: 1.1 million students home-schooled students in the United States in 2003. National Center for Education Statistics, NCES 2004-115, July, 2004. Retrieved October 4, 2012. http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2004/2004115.pdf.

Anderson, A., and others. (2006). 20/20 Costs and Funding of Virtual Schools. Atlanta: BellSouth Foundation.

Bullen, M. (2008). The Future of Distance Education. http://www.slideshare.net/markbullen/the-future-of-distance-education