Distance Learning Terminology and Technology What works and what doesn’t work?

Industrialization & Distance Education Rationalization - teacher's knowledge and Skills are delivered to unlimited numbers of students at a distance and with uniform quality Division of Labor - a fundamental prerequisite for D.E. to be effective (Course developers are not course evaluators). Mechanization - conventional education operates at a pre-industrial level. D.E. applies technologies Assembly Line - D.E. staff remain at their posts but materials are passed on. Mass Production - Many learners at many locations learning concurrently.

Industrialization & Distance Education Mass Production - Many learners at many locations learning concurrently. Planning and Preparation - D.E. is characterized by extensive planning by senior staff. Standardization - D.E. teaching is constant for all learners. Functional Changes and Objectification - The functional role of the teacher is split into: 1. provider of knowledge (unit author) 1. provider of knowledge (unit author) 2. evaluator (tutor) 2. evaluator (tutor) 3. counselor (advisor) 3. counselor (advisor) Monopolization - Concentration and centralization within state or nation are common.

Redefinition of Distance Education Institution based formal education where the learning group is separated geographically, and where interactive telecommunications systems are used to connect learners, resources and instructors.

Theory - Defined A system for explaining a set of phenomena by specifying rules that relate the phenomena to each other.

"Finally, the most fundamental and most important characteristic of a profession is that the skills involved are founded upon a body of intellectual theory and research. Furthermore, this systematic theory is constantly being expanded by research."

Theories of Distance Education Independence and autonomy IndustrializationInteraction

Equivalency Theory of Distance Education " The more equivalent the learning situation of the distant learner is to the learning situation of the traditional learner, the more equivalent are the learning outcomes."

Purpose of Research about Distance Education One purpose of research in distance education is to determine effective practices.

Research – an Example A comparison of local learners to distant learners in three courses CourseMeanLocalDistant # # #

Student Perceptions MeanLocalDistant Support Adequacy of Instruction Strengths of Instructions Technology

The best current evidence is that... media are mere vehicles that deliver instruction but do not influence student achievement any more than the truck that delivers our groceries causes changes in nutrition.

Distance Education Research Characteristics anecdotal comparison studies lack of generalization adult learners practitioner oriented

Research Conclusions Students value distance education but prefer traditional education. Distant learners learn as well as traditional learners Teaching effectiveness improves if it: –is carefully planned –uses structured note taking –uses visuals –is taught by trained teachers

What Works – Distance Education Carefully planned instruction Structured note taking - interactive study guides Visualizations of concepts Less than 4 remote sites Almost anything that works in a regular classroom - if it is planned

What Doesn't Work – Distance Education Poorly planned instruction Unstructured note-taking Talking head lectures More than 4 remote sites Almost everything, if it isn't planned carefully