Distance Learning Technologies

            This week in our distance learning class we explored distance learning technologies. In an example given this week of collaborative training environment I chose to select two distance learning technologies and explained how they would work in the example given. The example that I chose was:

Collaborative Training Environment

A new automated staff information system was recently purchased by a major corporation and needs to be implemented in six regional offices. Unfortunately, the staff is located throughout all the different offices and cannot meet at the same time or in the same location. As an instructional designer for the corporation, you have been charged with implementing a training workshop for these offices. As part of the training, you were advised how imperative it is that the staff members share information, in the form of screen captures and documents, and participate in ongoing collaboration.

            The two technologies that I have identified that would be best suited for this example are Discussion Technologies and Media Sharing Sites. Discussion technologies are participatory in nature and require that a number of individuals write and respond to each others posts. Learning management systems or LMSs, such as eCollege and Blackboard, integrate discussion technologies such as discussions forums, group collaboration areas, and virtual chat tools into the online learning environment (Laureate Education Inc, 2012).

            Media sharing sites are web sites that facilitate the sharing of content and artifacts such as text, pictures, videos, presentations, and audio files. The artifacts posted on media sharing sites can be viewed and commented on by a much wider audience than a video sent to a family member or a friend. Presentations created and shared through media sharing sites allow presenters to share the presentation with users across the globe. Users can in turn comment on the presentations and share their own ideas thereby providing feedback that may assist presenters in enhancing their content (Laureate Education Inc, 2012). A good example of this technology would be Photoshare (www.photoshare.org); this website allows people from all over the world share photos for free with its focus being on public health.

Resources:

Laureate Education Inc. (2012) (Producer). Theory and Distance Learning [video]. Retrieved September 23, 2012.

Defining Distance Learning

Distance learning has been a subject that I have not given much consideration to in the past. This mentality could possibly be because I considered distance learning as somewhat of a passing fad that would just fizzle out in time. But after actually participating in distance learning practices and truly gaining an appreciation of the concepts it encompasses I have changed my view. I can now say that as an adult learner how we learn or how we educate ourselves is an ever evolving process.

Dr Simonson (n.d.) suggests that distance education/learning can be defined as formal education in which the learning groups are separated by geography and sometimes by time. I somewhat agree but would ask that we take this definition a step further by saying that the learning groups that can be separated by geography, time, ethnicity, and economy. Geography and time are obvious in the definition because of the separation of time zones as well as countries. Ethnicity and economy could mean anything from bringing together a wealthy Chinese scientist in Beijing with a Cuban college freshman student in Miami, Fl through a virtual classroom. But how about I go even one step further and state that the learning groups are separated by geography, time, ethnicity, and economy but brought together by some technological means.

When I think of distance learning I automatically think of this term in relation to technology. This concept of distance learning is driven by technology. Technology is the most efficient means to bring people together across great distances through time zones regardless of that person’s ethnicity or economic state. I believe that as distance learning evolves further its relationship to technology will continue to be one that will become more apparent in time. Whether that technology involves space age technology such as holograms or an even more streamlined process for online classrooms the technology will continue to influence the concept of distance learning.

Prior to beginning this class, distance learning, I must say that my view of the subject is somewhat blurred. This means that I and am still not quite sure on how I want to define what this means to me. My hope is by the end of this class my definition will be more focused and my view of the topic will be clearer.

References: Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (n.d.) "Distance Education: The Next Generation" [Video]. Dr. Michael Simonson [Narrator].

Distance Learning Mind Map: