Distance Learning: 6135-2

Distance Learning:

Before taking classes at Walden University, Distance learning was something I was oblivious in understanding in the technological sense10 – 15 years ago. Traditional learning is what I was use to and traditional learning was what I understood. You went to a classroom and you we taught by a teacher. Throughout my professional career I either went to a location where a live person was at the front of a room training  or a speaker was sent to my location to train me and others in a conference room setting on a new procedure , product, service or policy. Yet today, I realize that 10 -15 years ago we were still learning at a distance but in a different realm of distance, more in a blended sense via television or a video cassette that was shown during those classes or seminars. In the “Distance Learning Timeline Continuum” it states that in the mid1800’s European newspapers were offering various types of examination courses via mail correspondences, and later in the century advocate Anna Eliot Ticknor, created the Society to Encourage Studies at Home in Boston, Massachusetts. According to this Timeline Continuum long before I realized others had been learning at a distance, there were course taken, test passed, degrees and certificates received via the mail which supported distance learning as we know it today. Which used all of the four components of distance learning, the first being institutionally based, second is separation of the teacher and student, next is interactive telecommunications, and last is sharing of data, voice and video(Simonson,2003). As the embracing of Distance Learning became popular into the 1900’s it evolved into learning via telephone, television and finally what we know as the Internet.

The thought of distance learning can easily change from person to person based on their needs, skills and abilities.                                Distance learning today with new technology can be had by any electronic device that has a means of connection you to another person, a group of people or an animated character via video, media, voice or words. Connections are endless yet possible by telephone, the World Wide Web, email, voicemail, video conferencing, social network websites, real time video, blogging and digital media. Depending on your profession your interaction with technology can be a great or minute. Most tech users of distance learning use mobile devices, PDA and smart phones on a daily basis as they are readily and easily available.  In most homes, business and offices learning is done via a laptop, desktop, Mac and now the infamous I-Pad. You can know learn almost any “ how to’ skill on social networking websites like, Face book, You Tube, podcast, bloggers and many more.

The definition of distance learning has change for me drastically based on my profession, experience, and technological know-how. Presently I am constantly challenged with learning new software and programs needed for my day to day interaction with our students. Most of our learning materials have interactive lesson accessible via educational websites that must be use as teaching  mechanism that make our elementary classes a blended classroom setting. We now use transponder devices for our math and language arts lesson this is a tools for children to key in their answers to problems. Another professional use of technology that has changed from the norm is that I now complete most of my human resource trainings, send and received documents to and from personnel via the internet only. As an adult learner I am partial to Knowles’s andragogy seven element processes which enable the technological knowhow in adult learners in order for them to be successful learners. This includes creating a conducive learning climate with structure, direction, guidelines, activities interaction with peers or workgroups and ending evaluations of what I have learned(Simonson,2003).

 

Mind map new

 

My vision for the future of distance learning as it continues on a path of evolution and change is limitless. Not to say the use of traditional classrooms in education or business will ever become obsolete, but I believe there will be a reduced amount. The future of distance learning is always changing and factors that will drive that change are the devices used to access it like EBooks, Nooks, and tablets and bigger, smaller, better, faster tools that help you connect people and resources for learning.

References:

Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web (Part 1: Training and development). TechTrends, 52(3), 70–75.

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2009). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (4th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson. Chapter 2, “Definitions, History, and Theories of Distance Education” (pp. 31–40)

Multimedia program: “Distance Learning Timeline Continuum” (2011) Retrieved on 07/29/2011 from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/contentItem.learn?CourseID=5364558&47=6456475…

Podcast, Media Sharing and Discussion Technologies

In choosing Example 2: The A high school history teacher, who is located on the west coast of the United States, that wants to showcase to her students new exhibits being held at two prominent New York City museums. As the role of the instructional designer, the best distance learning technology to use would be best through podcasting, media sharing and discussion boards.

Podcasting is a grouping of digital files that can be downloaded from the Web to any mobile or computer device. They are usually updated when are updated frequently with new information as they act as a subscription to an electronic magazine, journal or editorial. They can be in audio-only or audio with video and images. Podcasting could allow the students to view images of art and listen to audio about the artist, the art work and exhibition taken place at the various New York Museums. The inserted links are Podcast for three of the most famously acclaimed museums in New York, The New York Transit Museum http://www.transitmuseumeducation.org/museumcast, The Metropolitan Museum of Art http://www.metmuseum.org/rss/exhibitionpodcast.xml, and The American Museum of Natural History, http://www.nyas.org/podcasts/nyaspodcast.xml.

Media Sharing can be use as a visual tool through pictures for the two pieces of artwork from each exhibit that the teacher would like the students to use in participation for the group critique of the individual work of art. Flickr.com is a picture sharing site that the teacher can use to upload specific pictures that will be used for the critiquing exercise. (See Example below)

   

 

 

‘Hanging by a Thread’,  United States, New York, “New York City, American Museum of Natural History”

 

The students could comment and critique the pictures directly on Flickr.com or via the use of a discussion board. Flickr.com groups and tags pictures by words or phrases therefore students could see other pictures from various different museums in New York City.

                                                   

That Old Taxi – New York State Museum

Discussion Boards Technology is a means of communication for the whole class throughout the term or sessions. It will be the way the students communicate with each other and the teacher. They can post and make comments on specific topics the teacher request or in a Question and Answer (Q&A) forum.

The use of the above technologies will make it easier for the student and teachers to travel around the globe visiting museums and see works of art without leaving their homes or classrooms.

Asia

Distance Learning

Before starting this course I would define Distance Learning (DL) as learning that occurs between student and teacher via a technological medium when they are in two different locations, separated by time zones or geography. This is something that I have done over the past four years while completing a Bachelors degree and now working on a Masters. I’ve taken classes online and my professors have been all over the United States and even in the Virgin Islands (US Territories), as long as they had internet access;  it’s like have computer will travel.  Two years ago I traveled to Senegal, West Africa and finished one of my courses while I was vacationing. No longer do you need to be in a stable place to be connected to learn. This is the flexibility of distance learning. Personally, Distance Learning has occurred over time for me. My prior position allowed distance learning in the workplace through trainings, video conference calls, webinar and learning resources (i.e. DVD). The Middle Schools and High Schools in our county have intergraded Blackboard usage in their curriculums. It gives students a way of communicating with teachers, using it for submitting class work and ultimately as grade viewer.

Distance Learning Mind Map  Click to View

After looking at the Distance Learning Timeline Continuum (DL) it appears that since 1833 when a European newspaper offered course through the mail learning via a distance happened. Over the 175 plus years since, we have seen the distance learning field soar, from wireless telegraphy companies to courses by mail, television, radio, video, satellite television and now the computer, internet and mobile devices. The latest entering in the world of Distance learning is Blackboard and Web 2.0, this technology is so pristine to me, I feel like I am on a technological highway trying to keep up. Presently Distance learning defined by Simonson is, as formal education in which the learning group (teachers, students, resources) are separated by geography and sometimes by time (Simonson, 2003).

 Future learning is something that will happen anywhere, in your car, on your refrigerator, throughout your home; anywhere. This is all so scary yet convenient. There are so many modes of transmitting information that the accessibility of your information can literally be grabbed from out of thing air via a signal. Therefore there are concerns of privacy, fraud, and theft due to the availability of distance learning.  As we know learning has occurred since the beginning of time, yet as we move from paper to electronic learning which now occurs any time anywhere the only thing separate learning is the distance and space between the presenter and the recipient.

Reference:

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2010). Distance education: The next generation [Video webcast]. Retrieved from Lecture Notes Online Web site: http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5089759&Survey=1&47=6368695&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=1&bhcp=1

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Distance Learning Timeline Continuum [Multimedia Format]. Retrieved from Lecture Notes Online Web site: http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5089759&Survey=1&47=7136420&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=1&bhcp=1

Distance Learning

Hello All,

Welcome to my blog. This is going to be a wonderful place to blog and share information about distance learning and how it has changed the faces of learning today from the traditional classroom in the field of education and business.

Happy Blogging, Asia

EDUC 6115 RefDieng G (Asia)

Reflection

What did you find surprising or striking as you furthered your knowledge about how people learn?

Some of the striking and surprising things I furthered my knowledge with in understanding how people learn was the various learning theories. Presently technology is one of our greatest teachers, online classes, e-books, online libraries and articles it is becoming uncommon to buy physical books because all your readings can be retrieved online. So, connectivism is something that I take away from this class, to know that we learn from all areas of connectivism, computers, mobile devices and all the means of connecting with each other to provide learning and teaching.

How has this course deepened your understanding of your personal learning process?

Out of all the readings, blogs and articles, one that hit home for me was how Dr. Ormrod explained that she like to give learning strategies’ rather than learning theories exceptionally with adult learners. I as an adult learner, mostly use my experience, taking what I know and what I’ve learned to draw conclusions and understanding of what I’ve learned. I realize that young readers learn differently but if we equipped them with techniques and knowledge as they grow they will have the capabilities to do the same thing.

What have you learned regarding the connection between learning theories, learning styles, educational technology, and motivation?

They are all steps or components in the process of learning. Theories give us the history of learning, learning styles are how a person learns and they can change at different parts of one’s life. Educational technology comprises of the various things or ways that by which we learn. They are certain things that can aid in our learning as discussed in connectivism (i.e. computers, laptops, mobile devices and television). Yet motivation is the key to keeping you enthused about learning, with all the technology and teaching if students are not stimulated and have an incentive to learn the thought of educating them will diminish. So motivation is the driving force of learning. .

How will your learning in this course help you as you further your career in the field of instructional design?

In future projects I will use the Keller’s ARCS model to assure that my audience has a captivating and intriguing learning environment that keeps them engaged in learning. I will pose questions; give them problems to solve and simulations to be a part of. Once they feel a part of the learning process and have a forum where they can learn I think they will be open to staying involved and connected.

Asia

EDCU 6115-1 App Blog Assignment 1 Week 7 Dieng G (Asia)

The ability to learn in so many different fashions is what makes learning exciting. I now understand what signifies the adult learning theories and how we bring prior knowledge, life experiences, personal beliefs, and certain motivational factors for goal setting and problem solving. I bring all these dynamics to how I learn today, only now realizing its okay not to learn from traditional teaching methods but in an andragogy way of self-direction (Knowles). As Knowles states in his principles that adult learners need to be involved in the planning of their instructions, we recognize that we must be able to see what value the learning brings to our lives.

Can we use it? Does it waste our times? Is it necessary? What do I take away from what I have learned? It could be dually noted when all these issues are met, learning in an adult has occurred, especially for me. I would say at that point I can identify with or see the results of what I have learned. Nicely put Dr. Ormrod state she likes to talk about learning strategies rather than learning styles; a compelling strategy for me is comprehension monitoring. It answers all my questions above; at that point I know I identify with what I have learned.

In today’s world technology plays an enormous role in learning. It is used in every aspect of learning on a daily basis, even if it is just talking on the telephone via a mobile device. My daily use of technology has made my life a little easier to manage by connecting work, play and social networks together all at once.

Here I am taken classes in the new wave of virtual school, a virtual classroom connecting people via discussion boards, document sharing, chat rooms and emails. The classroom discussions can be so intriguing you feel like the person is right there, especially when the topics are new and enlightening. You can blog on a topic, have someone respond to a blog and leave a link that can be visited and commented on all in 5-10 minutes, while the thoughts and ideas are fresh. Unlike traditional school when you read something in a classroom, discussed it amongst peers and later went home to look it up in an encyclopedia. You can google any topic possible; there are so many new search sites available how can you begin to keep up with them all? Perfect example is our Tech Resource tab that’s filled with vast information.

The thought of Skype, being able to speak to someone and see them as you talk, is priceless!!! Now possible via your mobile device, I can talk to friends in other countries for the same price of my local call; I am eligible for my I-Phone upgrade this November.

Everyday our classrooms utilized a new aspect of technology for learning; we use smart boards, via overhead projectors, Pinnacle a grade book program, email for communication, teacher resource websites and a host of teaching tools on our children’s computers. The Generation X and Y are computer savvy they only know the ability to learn via a technological game or learning resource.

Therefore, from then until now I would have to say if I was not capable of adapting to the ability of technology I would be left behind in warp years.

 Video Program: “Learning Styles and Strategies” Dr. Jeanne Ormrod explains the role of learning styles in the learning process and shares strategies that learners can use to improve their learning.. Laureate Education, Inc. (2009).

Flash Media Clip: “Timeline of the History of Learning.” Retrieved from: http://mym.cdn.laureate-media.com/Walden/EDUC/6115/01/mm/tec_timeline.html

Connectivism

How has your network changed the way you learn?

The mind mapping experience of connectivism was a way for me to look at all the means of communication I connect to and how it plays a part in three main areas of my life. As I look at this mind map I realize there has been a huge change in how this network has changed the way I learn. My basic foundation of learning came from my parents and then you continue to learn as we grow, starting with grade school and then on to college. However along the way you start to add people and tools to your network of learning to form you learning experience. From these people and tools you learn about various technological avenues that could make you learning experience faster, broader and better. Through my connectivism and my network the world of online learning and online information has been born, giving way to various options to gain access to information which can be via a computer, a telephone an email, a text message, a voicemail or a face to face conversation.  Something could happen in another part of the world and I could find out about it immediately depending on the information medium I am using at the time. So the accessibility of the many networks available today has extremely changed my learning experience. The question now becomes how I learn it all in order for me to stay abreast of the networks available.

 Which digital tools best facilitate learning for you?

The best digital tools that facilitate learning for me is the computer. Presently I am having some difficulty my laptop crashed and I am using our home desktop, which I think slows me done; because I feel like I am confine to a space instead of have laptop will travel. I have been contemplating a I Phone it seem like they have a APP for everything so I think you can stay connected to anyone or anything anytime. How do you gain new knowledge when you have questions?

In what ways does your personal learning network support or refute the central tenets of connectivism?

The easiest way for me to gain new knowledge when I have questions is to google it. I try to be a specific as possible, because my downfall when googling is I go off to something else when looking for something specific. So my online time can be longer than expected then I find that I didn’t accomplish what I set out to do.

In what ways does your personal learning network support or refute the central tenets of connectivism?

My personal learning network definitely supports the concept of connectivism. All my networks enable me to use technology to transfer information between myself and other individuals. I often make use of email, for work and personal needs this is my way of communicating with co-workers, friends, school and business.  For school related issue I now blog and use the online libraries to share and receive information.

Connectivism

Connectivism

Connectivism

Hello world!

EDUC-6115-1 Week One: Blog Assignment: The Doorway to Professional Learning Communites

Welcome to my new world of blogging. This is a first for me; I am a newcomer in the realm of instructional design.

In this blog I would liked to feature a few sites that gave me a great deal of insight on instructional design.  Several years ago I was introduced to Online Education, the ability to take classes and complete a degree solely online was unimaginable for me. Yet three year later, I have totally completed the rest of my classes toward my Bachelors Degree in Business Management and presently pursing my Masters Degree in Instructional Design in an Online E-Learning format.

Before starting classes this spring I knew I wanted to change careers from business to education. I thought the best way to do this and still have time for my family and I was to start a career in online teaching.  After all online e-learning worked well for me around my busy schedule; and it was definitely more challenging than I thought. As learners are looking for educational outlets that work around them in an unconventional way, online formats are serving the best purpose for successful completion when earning a degree. This website was the first one that came up when I googled instructional design. http://www.instructionaldesign.org/index.html  It featured Instructional Design models and Notable Instructional Designers.  I learned that the basic model of Instructional Design is The ADDIE model which is the generic process traditionally used by instructional designers and training developers. The five phases are Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. This site also gives you a wealth of information on other perspective models, and it was design to provide information about the principle of instructional design and how they relate to teaching and learning.

Another site I found useful was http://www.instructionaldesigncentral.com/ this site appears to be a point of reference for instructional design professionals, educators, and students to access instructional designer resources, information, learning opportunities, forums, jobs, and community services.

http://www.learning-theories.com/ This site features essential entry level information on learning theories. This a great site to learn and understand all the necessary theories for education and research. As a new educator and scholar of instructional design, I believe this website to be useful now and throughout my career. It is an excellent reference site for anyone who wants to get a basic foundation into learning styles, theories and models.