Module 1 Blog Discussion:
Is evolution needed in DE for the next generation?
After reading the articles on instructional design for distance learning and viewing the vodcast of Simonson I do agree that evolution is needed to make distance education a viable mode of education for the next generation. I remember when the first online programs were introduced. The general public did not see them as creditable. My mother even made comments like, “They are just paying for a grade.” I am sure that my mother was not the only one out there that felt that way. Proving DE as creditable was and at time still is the first hurdle to be overcome when recruiting new students. As stated in the introduction of second in a three part series on instructional design by Moller, Foshay, and Huett (2008) that there is still no assurance that “high instructional quality is recognized and valued” still today. This may become a non issue as competition becomes fierce for the e-learning market and the fact that performance based testing is being developed to increase the creditability of online courses. Eventually performance based assessments may spill over into traditional on-campus education. (Moller, Foshay, & Huett, 2008)
When it comes to distance education in the K-12 setting, it takes on a new face. There are greater benefits along with greater disadvantages to DE in this sector of education. Huett, Moller, Foshay, and Coleman, (2008) stated that “virtual schooling is one of the fastest growing areas for K-12 schools.” I see many advantages to DE in this sector. It can remedy the issue of overcrowding, teacher shortages, reduced funding, and offer remedial to enrichment opportunities to students who are homebound, home schooled, traveling, or need flexible schedules due to various reasons. However DE does not need to become a place to educate our failing students or as a quick and easy service for students who need to make up courses (Huett, Moller, Foshay, & Coleman, 2008) My only issues with distance education in K-12 education is the lack of interaction that takes place. These years are so formative int eh development of a child’s eventual character. If DE utilized I believe that there my be ways that the students interact with one another whether in the virtual realm (wikis, live chat, blogs) or in f2f interaction is possible.
I agree with Simonson (n.d.) when he described distance education being comprised in two parts: distance teaching and distance learning. The teacher and the learner are vital components in distance education to make it more than an online self study course. Distance education while growing exponentially, needs to be nurtured to its “critical mass” to experience its highest effectiveness and viability in the generations to come. (Simonson, n.d.) If distance education is utilized correctly, with interaction of teacher-students and students-student the results of the collaboration could be profound. With today’s problems being so large and deep rooted, it will likely take a “collection” of thinkers and innovators to solve them. After all isn’t that all education is for- to solve problems
Huett, J, Moller, L, Foshay, W, & Coleman, C. (2008). The Evolution of distance education: implications
for instructional design on the potential of the web. TechTrends, 52(5), Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/ehost/pdf?vid=4&hid=7&sid=870186e5-15d5-4db7-9da8-b0455e57bfec%40sessionmgr13
Simonson, M. (n.d.). Distance education: the next generation [Vodcast], Retrieved from
http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=4007780&Survey=1&47=4338460&ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1
Simonson, M. (n.d.). Equivalency theory [Vodcast], Retrieved from
http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=4007780&Survey=1&47=4338460&ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1
Moller, L, Foshay, W, & Huett, J. (2008). The Evolution of distance education: implications for
nstructional design on the potential of the web. TechTrends, 52(3), Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/ehost/pdf?vid=7&hid=7&sid=870186e5-15d5-4db7-9da8-b0455e57bfec%40sessionmgr13
Moller, L, Foshay, W, & Huett, J. (2008). The Evolution of distance education: implications for
instructional design on the potential of the web. TechTrends, 52(4), Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/ehost/pdf?vid=4&hid=7&sid=870186e5-15d5-4db7-9da8-b0455e57bfec%40sessionmgr13
I agree that DE has made quite a few gains in recents years. I found it interesting your mom's views on DE. I think there are some "traditional" folks that still feel that way. I know there are a few veteran teachers that I work with that frown at the idea I'm taking classes via the internet. We should all take classes the way they did 25 years ago and complete the courses during the summer while living away from family at some campus far away. I do feel challenged at Walden. I don't feel I'm paying for a grade. I'm sure there are some traditional unversities that the same could be said for some of their courses.
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that faith in quality of online distance education begins with a stigma since many don't see into the traditional educational instruction but do seem to believe it as credible.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing,
~Laurie Korte
Tabitha,
ReplyDeleteI do agree with you regarding the advantages and disadvantages of DE in K-12. Students in grades K-5 need that face-to-face interaction to build social skills. Primary students truly need face-to-face interaction with the teacher to build a successful foundation. Middle and high school students could handle a full time distance education environment, however full time online learning isn’t for everyone. And any student needing a remedial class would be better served in a face-to-face environment.
If you had to, how would you incorporate DE for second grade students?
Hello everyone,
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting how opinions are so diverse. I think that for the current generation the best approach is a hybrid one. There is learning on DE. There is a service called e-Pals that has been offering DE to students at all levels for some years now. The students communicate through email and combine classroom content with other students in different parts of the world. Many elementary schools are using it and the students benefit immensely from communicating with peers in other cultures. The face to face is replaced with webcams so they get to see each other.
Yes there is value in the social aspect of education but sometimes it tends to be overrated. Home schooled children get social exposure through other means, such as common play time, park visits, common read alouds and such. The idea that all students need to sit for extended periods of time in a classroom can be questioned and revisited. I like the concept of common time and the idea of cooperative learning but it needs redesigning.
About validity, respect and recognition it will definitely increase as we go out with our degrees and prove the value of our learning experiences.
I have often thought about that. With thetechonolgy lab across the hall it would be nice to find a teacher somewhere else (even within my county)that would work with me to set up a "course" that we could co-teach. I was thinking maybe would could do one of our science or social studies units with DE. It is just all in the timing and approvalof the administration. Next year I am moving to third grade to teach either LA or math/science/social studies. I will be in need to collaborative help. It may be a good year to try it. At least I will know the abilities of my students.
ReplyDelete