Module II
The statement that people are more apt to be open because of the anonymity of online collaboration as compared to Face-to-Face (F2F) learning, (Seimans, 2008) literally caused me to reflect on my initial reason for joining the online community
In the traditional classroom, it is either the intimidating presence or personality of the instructor or classmates that dictate what a person does or does not communicate. Oftentimes opinions and ideas, among even the most prolific thinkers have been stifled or repressed for that very reason.
Online instruction not only adds the element of protection that anonymity provides, that which F2F cannot offer, but allows for richer and more diverse collaborative opportunities on a global scale. These are the three elements Siemens refers to - global diversity, communication, and collaborative interaction, all of which are the dynamics that contributed to the success of online learning.
Siemans (2008) explains that growing acceptance of distance education is fueled by an increase in online communication (Skype,Twitter,FaceBook,Wiki, YouTube,Bloglines, Moogle). Distance education also saw an increase due to practical experience with new technology tools, and a growing comfort with online discussion forums. Gloal diversity according to Siemans(2008) is now a common trend; it also benefits corporations by allowing them to interact with different offices around the world.
Reaching a point of agreement with Siemans was without question for me. Being an introvert through my youth and most of my adult life, had it not been for online learning, I don’t think I would have truly understood the true meaning or need for collaboration. Having to interact with people from different ethnicities, backgrounds, and schools of thought from all around the country, online learning gave me an entirely new perspective on different ways to know, learn, and share.
The elements of online learning include technology that has taken millions of people out of the confines of the traditional modes of communication through such technologies as Wiki, Skype and Video conferencing. Webcams and hand-held video are also tools that assist in capturing moments in real-time, many often viewed on YouTube, FaceBook, and Twitter. Web 2.0 technology has taken communication to a level unprecedented in history. Online learning has and will continue to evolve as as evidenced by the surge of applicants in virtual courses.
Seimens, George. The Future of distance Education. Video posted to http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=3649019&Survey=1&47=2625189&ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1 viewed September 23, 2009.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
The Next Generation of Distance Learning
In comparing articles by authors Moller, Huett, Foshay, and Coleman (2008) with Simonson (2008), there seemes to be a general consensus that the growth of online distance (e-learning) is growing in almost all sectors of society, and in both developed and developing countries.
This explosion of distance learning is due in part, to web-based instruction and the promise it holds of increasing commuication among learners...One of the main benefits of online learning is having access to students outside of the normal face-to-face setting. Learners have also benefited from use of these tools to succeed in alternate settings.
Colleges and universities also envision distance education programs as a means of maintaining its growth. Both Simonson (2008) and Moller, Huett, Foshay, and Coleman ( 2008) allude to the fact that growth in distance learning is hastily changing the face of post-secondary education as institutions of learning now aspire to meet the challenge by providing the technological tools necessary in a technologically-driven global society.
As a Technology Staff Development Specialist, and Language Arts Teacher in a 6-12th grade alterative school setting, we (the school) seem to always be on the lower end of the funding scale and are not able to purchase new technologies. Pre and post Benchmark results for our students have shown that students who have the opportunity to use technology, for practice tests or class projects have progressed at a rate faster than their peers .
As a former student who has completed an online Master's Degree program, and now as part of a cohort in an Ed.S course of study, I can attest to the high caliber of instruction the coursework provided. My knowledge base and propensity for learning has increased two-fold. I also understood that to be successful I, and those who undetake this route to learning, must possess or acquire the attributes that allow him/her to become self-disciplined, self-directed, and be able to self-monitor their own learning.
This explosion of distance learning is due in part, to web-based instruction and the promise it holds of increasing commuication among learners...One of the main benefits of online learning is having access to students outside of the normal face-to-face setting. Learners have also benefited from use of these tools to succeed in alternate settings.
Colleges and universities also envision distance education programs as a means of maintaining its growth. Both Simonson (2008) and Moller, Huett, Foshay, and Coleman ( 2008) allude to the fact that growth in distance learning is hastily changing the face of post-secondary education as institutions of learning now aspire to meet the challenge by providing the technological tools necessary in a technologically-driven global society.
As a Technology Staff Development Specialist, and Language Arts Teacher in a 6-12th grade alterative school setting, we (the school) seem to always be on the lower end of the funding scale and are not able to purchase new technologies. Pre and post Benchmark results for our students have shown that students who have the opportunity to use technology, for practice tests or class projects have progressed at a rate faster than their peers .
As a former student who has completed an online Master's Degree program, and now as part of a cohort in an Ed.S course of study, I can attest to the high caliber of instruction the coursework provided. My knowledge base and propensity for learning has increased two-fold. I also understood that to be successful I, and those who undetake this route to learning, must possess or acquire the attributes that allow him/her to become self-disciplined, self-directed, and be able to self-monitor their own learning.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
EDUC 7102
To all in my cohort, the course looks very, very challenging - what are your thoughts on the topics we are going to cover this term?
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