Distance learning can mean a variety of scenarios that, in my
opinion, have caused some confusion and make a large
difference in the pedagogy.
The distance classroom you described has been around since the
beginning of distance learning and most instruction is the
same as a traditional classroom except delivered from a remote
site. I have taught that way and comments from students in one
classroom could even be heard by students in the other
classroom. It took a lot of time to coordinate and all the
facilities and technicians had to be reserved in advance.
Use of CD/DVD/video tapes or streaming video is another
variation of distance learning. The challenge here is no live
interaction. I find this method works best for mature adults
who are trying to learn material to pass an exam. Younger
students would be bored beyond tears with this method and
probably learn very little.
Then we have the internet-based on-line courses that can be
hybrid (part face-to-face and part on-line) or fully on-line.
Within the on-line scenarios we can be synchronous (all on at
the same time with chat, voice, and/or webcam), or
asynchronous (on-line uses discussion boards, email, and other
activities to keep students engaged). There are now an array
of tools and techologies available to assist with all of that,
such as Adobe Presenter.
I have tried almost all forms of distance learning and have
the following biases and suggestions:
1. No person should teach a course using a technology they
have not experienced personally. I am thankful I took an
on-line course before I tried to design one and feel very
strongly about this.
2. A well-crafted on-line course takes a lot of work, but the
rewards are great learning experiences for the students and
you can re-use the materials. Remember that in addition to
learning the course materials, the students must also learn
how to use any techology that is new to them. Sometimes we
forget about that.
3. Be prepared to respond to student inquiries via email,
chat, discussion board or phone on a daily basis. My practice
is to answer student email as soon as I get it, unless I just
can't. This is a major issue.
4. Purchase a punching bag and keep it handy since the
techology does not always work as expected.
On 4/23/08, Kelsey wrote:
> What type of distance learning are we talking about here?
>
> I have been student teaching in a distance classroom -- not
> online, but through a screen/camera. We have the cart
> system where we can call up two other schools and have them
> showing on a big screen, or a distance lab where there are
> separate televisions for the pictures from each site.
>
> We still send a lot of paper assignments to the other
> schools, although some distance classes are going
> completely paperless -- online assignments.
>
> What is everyone else's experience with this?
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