New Media & Distance LearningExplaining the term ‘new media’ and how it might

relate to distance learning.

Steve Mackenzie Distance Learning Design Team Leader

Postgraduate and CPD Office

16th June 2009

• Brief History of Distance Learning• New Media – A Definition• New Media - its Relationship to Distance

Learning• New Media – Applications to Learning• The Significance of New Media• Implications for Distance Learning• Conclusion - Transitional Strategies

Overview

History of Distance Learning

• First Generation (late 19th, early 20th century)Print based correspondence courses.  

• Second Generation (1960’s through to the 1980’s)Radio and TV broadcast technology.  

• Third generation (1980’s to early 90’s)Computer based learning, teleconferencing, videoconferencing, audio/video tapes, multimedia CD-ROM’s.

• Fourth Generation (early 90’s to late 90’s)Interactive multimedia, Access to Internet resources and computer mediated communications (e.g. asynchronous discussions).

• Fifth Generation (late 90’s to mid 2000’s)In addition to fourth generation delivery technologies, this generation includes the use of automated response systems (e.g. email, online tests) and Virtual Learning Environments to access institutional processes and resources. 

• Sixth Generation (mid 2000’s – current)Web 2.0, Mobile and Synchronous technology: Much improved communications. A diverse set of tools to facilitate more active, participatory and collaborative learning. Connectivity

Independent Study

Active Participation

New Media – A Definition

Content Communication – Multimedia, Interactive Multimedia

Human Communication – Interaction, collaboration, co-operation

PCMAG.COM (2008) define new media as:

“A generic term for the many different forms of electronic

[digital] communication that are made possible through the use

of computer technology. The term is in relation to “old” media

forms, such as print newspapers and magazines, that are static

representations of text and graphics.” PCMAG.COM (2008)

Cutting Edge New Media – Web 2.0, Social Software

New Media -its Relationship to Distance Learning

New Media facilitates Active Learning - Active Learning is preferable to isolated independent study.

Palloff and Pratt (1999) suggest that:

“for distance learning that an active learning model is the model of choice especially

given the separation between teacher and student. They suggest also that the

teacher’s role is to devise learning activities that promote interaction and

collaboration, facilitate active discussion, promote the development of critical

thinking and research skills”

New Media – Applications to Learning

Social NetworkingConnections to people and resources

Connections to useful websites and other online resources

Social Bookmarking

Online MediaInteraction with multimedia content . Examples include youtube (video), flickr (photos), itunes (podcasts) plus self produced media

Reflection

Blogs

Collaboration

Wikis

Read/ Write Web

Social SoftwareWeb 2.0

The Significance of New Media!

Can enhance student motivation, enjoyment

and learning

Can promote participation, collaboration and active

learning

Can improve student-student, student-staff

and staff-staff communication

A combination of synchronous or asynchronous strategies

Implications for Distance LearningThere is still a place for ‘old’ media. Opportunity to Build on current good practices.

Great opportunities, but it is a time for transition. There is a need to experiment in order to progress. New media needs to be introduced gradually.

For students more emphasis on active learning, participating and collaborating could be scary – guidance and time to orientate to a new approach is essential.

For teachers – it’s new too, they will need support to decide how best to use ‘new media’ and how to change teaching strategies.

Cutting edge ‘New media’ technology is not controlled by the institution, this could be an issue at times. Best alternatives within current institutional online spaces may need to be found.

Conclusion - Transitional Strategies

• Consideration of economic, logistical, instructional, technological, historical and political factors.

• Consideration of each particular student cohort and their needs.

Teacher Facilitation,

Encouragement and Leading by

example

Introductory tasks for students

Good Quality Student Inductions

Staff Training

Clear Expectations and Ground

Rules

Strong explanation as to why new online ways of learning (contributing, participating) are beneficial

Extra 1: Explanations, Ideas and examples • Campus Based Programmes

– Normal face to face teaching– Blackboard for additional support

• Distance Learning Programmes– Minimal face to face contact– Block teaching Weeks– Blackboard for core support– Additional Postal Correspondence– Additional Administrative phone support– Additional Teacher Phone Support

• Blended Learning Programmes– in theory 25-50% delivered via e-learning technology– Block teaching weeks– Blackboard for additional/core support– May include additional Administrative phone support– May include additional Teacher Phone Support

• E-Learning– Different needs for different programmes