Module 2: Elements of Distance Education Diffusion

Over the years, there have been more and more recent advances in computer networking technologies as far as distance learning is concerned. Computer-based instruction programs have become more rapid and users are now given more freedom of time and location for their studies. Distance education is far from new, but recent years have shown advancements in the mechanisms and tools available for its implementation and support. Distance education has now integrated new communication technologies. George Siemens discussed the growing acceptance of distance education in today’s corporate and educational spheres, including three possible elements of distance education that are creating more effective learning experiences and giving distance education an identity of its own distinct from face-to-face courses. These courses include: global diversity, communication, and collaboration interaction.

I think one of the most important parts of distance education is the communication and collaborative interaction between the learners as well as the facilitators. With the communication and collaboration, there are many strengths as well as weaknesses. Listed below are the strengths and weaknesses of the online format.

What are the strengths of the online format, in general? How can instructors and students take advantage of these strengths?
- There are many strengths of the online format. First, students can complete their degrees and the convenience of his/her daily schedule. According to Oblinger, Barone, and Hawkins (2001), online learning provides flexibility for students to incorporate education into their schedules. This is very convenient for those who have jobs and can’t make it to a traditional classroom setting each afternoon. Rather than traveling, this extra time could be used for studying, reading, or responding to other classmates.

What are the weaknesses or limitations of the online format, in general? What can be done to overcome these weaknesses/limitations?
- Before there can be online programs for student success, there are many things that should be looked at. First, the lack of internet access or computers for some. There are many who would like to go back to school at their convenience by completing online courses. However, many of them don’t have access to computers or internet. Before students can complete online courses, they have to have some level of computer literacy. What happens to those students who want get their degree but has no level of computer use? Another problem with online learning is technological difficulties that may or could arise. We are not always guaranteed that our computers or laptops will not encounter problems as we continue throughout our coursework.

Today, there are many different tools available for learners as they participate in online education. Students have access to email addresses for other learners as well as different ways of contacting one another. This way, they can work together and collaborate on a daily basis. Learners also have access to different tutorial programs such as: the Writing Lab or personal tutors. When learners are having trouble with writing or other things within the classroom, there are various routes for them to take to get this issues resolved. To make sure that learners are communicating and elaborating with others, facilitators are beginning to require students to work in groups on different projects and activities. Students work together to create wiki spaces with different assignments and more.

References:
Oblinger, D. G., Barone, C. A., & Hawkins, B. L. (2001). Distributed education and its challenges: An overview. American Council on Education and Educause.
Siemens, G. (2008). Assessment of collaborative learning. Vodocast. Laureate Education, Inc.

Supplemental Resources:
“The Future of Distance Education” (Approx. 4 min)
In this program, George Siemens provides insight into the reasons for the growing acceptance of distance education and focuses on elements that might be better achieved online than in a F2F environment, including global diversity, communication, and collaborative interaction, and how they can be achieved more easily with the introduction of new technologies.

“Distance Education: Higher Education, K12, and the Corporate World” (Approx. 14 min)
In this program, Dr. Michael Simonson explores the possible advantages of distance education as compared to face-to-face education. He describes the gradual evolution from hybrid (or blended) models for instruction and learning to fully online education in higher education, virtual schools, collaborative systems, and mirror curriculum in K12 education, as well as the increased return on investment in the corporate world.

Christensen, C. M. (2008). Disruptively deploying computers. In Disrupting class: How disruptive innovations will change the way the world learns (pp. 89–119). New York: McGraw-Hill.