1 EDER 677 Telecommunications in Education Different Modes of Telecommunication Systems - Linking to Learn - Norm Vaughan

2 Goals of this Session Key Terms Linking Resources Linking Configurations Advantages of Linking to Learn Implementation Issues of Linking to Learn

3 Distance Learning - learning situations in which the instructor and learner are separated over distance and/or time Telecommunications - communication at a distance -use of transmission technologies to link learners and educational resources Distributed Learning - combination of distance education and constructivist learning principles -integration of networking, computing, and multimedia technologies with learner-centered teaching approaches such as collaboration, discovery, and active learning Key Terms

4 Networks - common element to all linking resources Three basic components a) People who seek information Linking Resources b) Source of information c) Transmission technology that links the two

5 Linking Resources Transmission Technologies satellite microwave Instructional Television Fixed Service (ITFS) Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) cable systems fiber optic systems Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) - carry all data types on the same line

6 Audio Based Systems Video Based Systems Computer Based Systems Linking Configurations

7 One way audio (e.g. radio broadcast) (RealAudio) Audio conferencing (e.g. two-way audio (telephone) Audio graphics (e.g. computer networking - computer interaction with real-time audio communication) Audio Based Systems

8 One way video (e.g. TV broadcasting - live or tape delayed) One way video, two way audio (e.g. TV broadcasts, videos which are followed by teacher-student discussion) Interactive two way audio and video (e.g. link between two remote sites -room or desktop video conferencing Video Based Systems

9 microcomputer, modem, communications software, communication link (e.g. telephone line) provides access to: –Internet/WWW – –Chat Groups (MOO and MUD) –Listservs –Bulletin Boards Computer Based Systems

10 Advantages & Disadvantages Linking Configurations

11 Provide ready access to a variety of people and information (changing the physical learning environment) Create opportunities for collaboration between classrooms (learning communities) Support learner - initiated study (changing roles of teacher and learner) Offer advanced and otherwise unavailable courses Deliver staff development programs with minimal restrictions of time or place Advantages of Linking to Learn

12 Advantages of Linking to Learn Research Evidence (1954 to 2000) No significant difference between instruction delivered through traditional classroom methods and instruction delivered over one or more remote technologies in which a teacher and students are separated by distance. “The quality and design of instruction, rather than the delivery mechanism, make learning more effective” (Richard Clark).

13 Top level policy/planning (partnerships) Teacher involvement and training (voice of teachers) Technical limitations (constraints and constant change) Differentiated staffing (classroom and field assistants) Assessment (accountability split, non-traditional learning models) Implementation Issues of Linking to Learn

14 Implementation Issues of Linking to Learn Curriculum design and development for new and emerging standards (transition from classroom to on- line communication styles and nuances) Administrative support (modeling and environment issues) Common transmission and technology standards (incompatibility issues) Obtaining required resources (cost and sustainability)

15 Implementation Issues of Linking to Learn Logistical problems (distance coordination issues) Ethical issues (on-line behavior and content monitoring) Equity and cultural issues (equal access, cultural communication bias, multicultural leveling versus appreciation)

16 To-Do for Next Session Contribute to this week’s discussion forum –The Different Modes of Telecommunications Prepare for our next session –Module Six Readings – Creating Online Iteractivities through the use of Multimedia Work on your web based student portfolio – first review next Thursday Feb 14th