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What is Distance Education?
Distance
learning refers to a learning environment where the instructor and
student are separated by physical distance. Distance learning dates
back to the early 1800's with correspondence classes. Distance
education has evolved with the development of new media, from print
to radio, telephone, television, video, satellite, computers, and,
most recently, the Internet. The different technologies are still
being used depending on the content and learning objectives for the
course, and the users and their capabilities.
The most recent
distance technology, the Internet, adds an interactive component not
possible with the other technologies - many to many communication
over a prolonged period of time. Traditionally, distance education
has been primarily between the instructor and the student, and there
has been little or no opportunity for interaction among students.
However, the Internet changes this because it allows learners to
communicate with each other either through synchronous or
asynchronous communication. Students are able to read and
respond to all correspondence, thereby learning from each other as
much as from the instructor. This changes the roles of the
instructor and the student, and the instructor becomes more of a
facilitator of learning and the student becomes more of an active
participant in, and more in control of, the learning process.
Synchronous versus
Asynchronous Learning:
Some
forms of distance technology, such as radio, telephone, television,
satellite, and Internet-based chats are synchronous, meaning that
the student(s) and the instructor are communicating together at the
same moment in time - sometimes called "real time." These
technologies are time-bound requiring participants to all "meet" at
the same time, although not the same place. Advantages include:
Instantaneous interaction
Quick Feedback
Pacing
What Makes a Successful Online Student?
Online learners possesses
unique characteristics. Distance learners may be working full time,
deployed in the military, stay at home moms, living in rural or
isolated regions, or elderly people wanting to further their
education. However, this is changing, as more and more young and
older people become aware of the online model. Although the
traditional school will always exist, the virtual classroom is
a major contributor to the community. Corporations are beginning to
use the online model to train technical professionals while private
and public universities redefine the world as their markets.
According to the Illinois Online Network, the online student should
possess the following qualities:
- Be open minded about
sharing life, work, and educational experiences as part of the
learning process
Introverts as well as extroverts find that the
online process requires them to utilize their experiences. This forum for communication eliminates the visual barriers that hinder some individuals in expressing themselves. In
addition, the student is given time to reflect on the information
before responding. The online environment should be open and
friendly.
- Be able to
communicate through writing.
In the Virtual Classroom, nearly all
communication is written, so it is critical that students feel
comfortable in expressing themselves in writing. Many students have
limited writing abilities, which should be addressed before or as
part of the online experience. This may require remedial efforts on
the part of the student.
- Be Self-motivated and
self-disciplined.
With the freedom and flexibility of the online
environment comes responsibility. The online process takes a real
commitment and discipline to keep up with the flow of the process.
Many of the non-verbal communication mechanisms that instructors use
in determining whether students are having problems (confusion,
frustration, boredom, absence, etc.) are not possible in the online
paradigm. If a student is experiencing difficulty on any level
(either with the technology or with the course content), he or she
must communicate this immediately. Otherwise the instructor will
never know what is wrong.
- Be willing and able
to commit to 4 to 15 hours per week per course.
Online is not easier than the
traditional educational process. In fact, many students will say it
requires much more time and commitment.
- Be able to meet the
minimum requirements for the program.
The requirements for online are no less than
that of any other quality educational program. The successful
student will view online as a convenient way to receive their
education - not an easier way.
- Accept critical
thinking and decision making as part of the learning
process.
The
learning process requires the student to make decisions based on
facts as well as experience. Assimilating information and executing
the right decisions requires critical thought; case analysis does
this very effectively.
- Have access to a
computer and a modem.
The communication medium is a computer, phone
line, and modem; the student must have access to the necessary
equipment.
- Be able to think
ideas through before responding
Meaningful and quality input into the virtual
classroom is an essential part of the learning process. Time is
given in the process to allow for the careful consideration of
responses. The testing and challenging of ideas is encouraged; you
will not always be right, just be prepared to accept a
challenge.
- Feel that high
quality learning can take place without going to a traditional
classroom.
If the
student feels that a traditional classroom is a prerequisite to
learning, they may be more comfortable in the traditional classroom.
Online is not for everybody. A student that wants to be on a
traditional campus attending a traditional classroom is probably not
going to be happy online. While the level of social interaction can
be very high in the virtual classroom given that many barriers come
down in the online format, it is not the same as living in a dorm on
a campus. This should be made known. An online student is expected
to:
- Be able to work with others in completing projects
- Be able to use the technology properly
- Be able to meet the minimum standards as set forth by
the institution
- Be able to complete assignments on time
- Enjoy communicating in writing.
The
online learning process is normally accelerated and requires commitment on the student's part. Staying up with the class
and completing all work on time is vital. Once a student gets
behind, it is almost impossible to catch up. Basically, the student
needs to want to be there, and needs to want the experience. The
instructor may have to contact students personally to offer
assistance and remind the student of the need to keep up.
Just as
many excellent instructors may not be effective online facilitators,
not all students possess the necessary qualities to perform well
online. In your online course, you may want to include reference
links to resources and tips for your students to use to help them be
more successful online learners. Clearly outline your expectations
and the necessary characteristics of a successful online student so
your students can understand if the online environment will be a
productive learning environment for them. Provide a questionnaire
for prospective students to fill out to assess whether they are good
candidates for online learning.
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