Tuesday, September 15, 2009

The Next Generation of Distance Learning (Module 1 reflection)

Reflection on Module 1’s course readings.
During module one, my EDUC-7102 course have been discussing the topic of the next generation of distance learning. During the first week of module one, I read The Evolution of Distance Education: Implications for Instructional Design on the Potential of the Web. The reading is a three part article dealing with the trends in e-learning and how they impact higher education and K-12 sectors. The article suggests that the following components impact the effects of e-learning in training and development: The Need for Better ISD Methodologies and the Revision of Learning Models. According to Moller et al (2008), Design-on instruction that prepares learners to solve ill structured
problems through transformative or generative processes. The article goes on to suggest that, Transformative or generative processes focus on thinking, creativity, collaboration, dialogue, and argumentation that are directed toward solving ill-structured problems (2008). The first article also exerts that the need for better ISD methodologies should be followed by better instruction and learning models. Moller et al suggest (2008) the focus must contain capabilities not possible or at least highly impractical
in a traditional classroom. The second portion of this three part article talks about the challenges educators face when teaching courses online or using an e-learning format. Distance learning has become so popular that it is considered to become a mainstream form of pursuing or furthering one’s education. According to the article (2008), “ Educators in the distance medium are faced with new pedagogical issues surrounding student interactions, course content design and delivery, multiple levels of communication, defining new types of assignments and performance expectations, and different assessment and evaluation techniques (to name a few).” In the third component of this article, the writers discuss the role that No Child Left Behind has played in e-learning. The third component discusses how NCLB made virtual schools possible and how some virtual schools offer courses for regular high school students while operating outside of school districts that the regular high school students live and attend school within. The article goes on to stress the need of trained professionals that are needed to teach online courses and how curriculum should be organized to address the needs of online students as well as traditional students. I agree that distance education needs to evolve pass the self-learner or self taught approach. There needs to exist a interaction between teacher and student other than static emails and postings on a online message board or forum. Online students should be able to communicate with their instructors in real time or at the moment just as traditional classroom students do.

Resources
Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008, May/June). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web (Part 1: Training and development). TechTrends, 52(3), 70-75. Retrieved on September 15, 2009 from http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/ehost/pdf?vid=9&hid=2&sid=59279293-979d-4eb0-9cef-f37be9ffdc93%40sessionmgr11 .

Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008, May/June). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web (Part 2: Higher education). TechTrends, 52(4), 66-70. Retrieved on September 15, 2009 from http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/ehost/pdf?vid=9&hid=2&sid=59279293-979d-4eb0-9cef-f37be9ffdc93%40sessionmgr11 .

Huett, J., Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Coleman, C. (2008, September/October). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web (Part 3: K12). TechTrends, 52(5). 63-67. Retrieved on September 15, 2009 from http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/ehost/pdf?vid=9&hid=2&sid=59279293-979d-4eb0-9cef-f37be9ffdc93%40sessionmgr11.

3 comments:

  1. I agree with you that the instructors of online courses need to have another form of communication than just emails and post. I feel that there should be a weekly chat setup for us to go in. So we can receive instant feedback on our questions on discussions and assignments. I think this would have really helped in this course because I'm overhelming right now.

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  2. Thank you for your comment. I hope you got my email and were able to follow my instructions. Please let me know if you did not and I will send the information again.

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  3. I got your email thanks so much. Take a look at my blog when you get a chance.

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