Distance Learning: What is It? n Presented by Raymond P. Kulig n

D/L n Distance Learning: What do we mean by that? n Distance learning is any method of teaching where the teacher and student are not physically in the same room. n Methods include the telephone, television, satellites, cable, data networks, CD-Rom, the US Mail and other techniques.

D/L n Distance Learning does not necessarily exclude classroom teaching n Over 400 colleges and universities offer D/L accredited courses

Two-Way Interactive Television n Two-way interactive video is one of the most common ways to teach n DHMC was a leader in this field n Some university systems have as many as 50 videoconference systems n Current technology allows TWIV to connect to locations world-wide using common communication standards

Two-Way Interactive Videoconferencing n Conferences between seven locations are common. n 384K “standards” method of transmission is the current popular format. n Growth of this technology will continue as prices drop and needs increase. n TWIV is moving toward the internet.

Two-Way Interactive n The industry is moving rapidly to allow this technology to run computer programs and spread sheets simultaneously n MERGE: All D/L methods on one screen

Satellite Based Systems n Satellite delivered training is the best way to deliver a single message to a large audience in many locations n Technology can be expensive and confusing n Can be easily depreciated over time.

Satellite n Most efficient way to deliver training to multiple sites (ie: more than 10 locations.) n Receive equipment is inexpensive and easy to maintain. n Favored choice for large corporations

Satellite n Signal is received by all n Questions are phoned, faxed or ed n Sometimes can be delivered by web-based mediums

Satellite n Several different methods of delivery(C,KU,VSAT) n Uplinking and studio equipment is expensive n Uplinking fees can be expensive n No face to face interactivity

Satellite at DHMC n DHMC receives over 50 hours per year of D/L by satellite n DHMC has done only one D/L course by satellite in this decade n DHMC has no facilities for transmitting satellite D/L

CD-Rom n CD-Rom based training is an easy D/L way to teach n One CD-Rom can be shipped to multiple sites inexpensively n Dartmouth Medical School’s Interactive Media Lab is a leader in this field n Only one or two CD-Rom training programs being used at DHMC

Videotape n Similar to CD-Rom in benefits although can be more expensive n Generally is used as PART of D/L n Once produced, tapes can be cheaply duplicated and distributed n DHMC is a leader in using videotape based learning for patients

Web Based Learning n Web based D/L is the most common platform for D/L n This method can be used in conjunction with all of the other technologies n Can be used on private networks (intranet) or over the internet n A variety of software platforms exist.

Web Based Learning n Telephone and use of are a critical part of successful web based D/L n Start-up can be costly. May add to a teachers workload n Who owns the work?

Web Based Learning n Student enrollment increased from 750,000 to 1.5 million since 1998 n Few teachers are taking courses to learn how to teach on-line n Many on-line courses, like in-person courses, lack audio-visual materials.

Computer Web Based Systems n Readily available throughout the region. n Leading platform for distance learning applications. n Highly interactive even when time shifting is required. n Will increase in usage and effectiveness as new features are added.

Computer Web Based Systems n Often requires more work on the part of the teacher. n Use of visuals may be hampered by user’s network. n Requires the most training and support when multiple applications are used.

Streaming n Streaming video will likely become a dominant method for communication during the next 5 years. n It will bridge the gap between all of the other technologies allowing for a more seamless method of communication. n Streaming video coupled with advances in computer and web technologies will have a major impact in D/L.

Streaming Software n Real Player aka Real One n Media Player n QuickTime n Macromedia’s Flash

Plus and Minus n 24/7 lectures and conferences n PowerPoint presentations look great n interactivity n Slow home modems prevent some usage n Patience is a virtue missing in our day and age

Web Conferencing n Powerpoint’s, etc., n Works like a web site n Polling, on-line chat n Telephone audio or streamed audio n Streaming works best on higher speed connections

Web Conferencing n n n n

Real World n Wall Street Journal, March 12, 2001 devotes an entire section on Distance Learning n Video Streaming may be the next wave that transforms D/L n D/L will gain students as the speed of the Internet increases

Real World n Major colleges and universities are using D/L. They include Cornell, Columbia, New York University and University of Phoenix n University of Phoenix is all on-line and claims 18,000 students

Real World n What software platform do you use? n How do you integrate various technologies n How do you teach the teacher? n How do you bridge the generation gap?

What This Means n Distance Learning will be a major way to teach within the next ten years n It will require considerable funding if it is to be competitive and successful n Teachers must be willing to learn how to use the new technology

What This Means n It will require cooperation between A/V departments, Information Systems, teachers & the governing bodies that make up an institution. n Much will be learned through trial and error

What This Means n D/L will never replace in-person teaching. It will however, enhance such training and replace or make possible other training

What To Do Next n Put into place a working group to guide the program along but not to impede it n While no one technology or program will be the answer, it is important that you do not provide too many options. Technical support will suffer if you do. n Goals must be clear

Web Sites n University Of Phoenix On-Line Campus n Distance Education and Training Council n Applied Business Telecommunications n United States Distance Learning Association

Distance Learning: What Is It? n Presented by Raymond P. Kulig n