Technology Tools

Technology Tools

     The need for distance learning is growing rapidly. You can’t just take a traditional classroom syllabus and put it on the web and call it distance learning. The instructor or facilitator has to be trained and prepared to design a lesson using various technologies tools to enhance the instruction.

     This week in my distance learning class, I was given a real life scenario that focused on selecting the appropriate distance learning technologies to provide the best solution for the challenge. The challenged was centered on a manufacturing plant that needed to implement a series of safety training modules to its employees. The training had to be an asynchronous training so that it could be available to the employees from all working shifts. Also, the shift supervisors wanted to make sure employees were engaged and could demonstrate their learning from the modules.

     The first technology tool that came to mind was utilizing a course management system (CMS). Course management systems are software systems designed to assist in the management of educational courses for students, especially by helping teachers and learners with course administration (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, & Zvacek, 2012). Most CMS are equipped with various technology features that encourage student engagement, collaboration, assessment, and communication.  The second technology tool I would suggest would be to implement podcast into the module trainings. A podcast is a digitally recorded sound (or sometimes sound with vision) file (Edirisingha, Hawkridge, & Forthegill, 2009). It can be embedded easily in a CMS. The real power of podcasting is twofold: It gives learners point-of-need access to information, and it disseminates information in exciting new ways (Edirisingha et al., 2009). In 2007, Apple introduced iTunes U (http://apple.com/itunesu), a dedicated Internet-based service to mange, distribute, and control access to educational audio and video content for students within an educational institution as well as the broader Internet (Wikipedia, n.d.).  The third technology tool I would suggest is online assessments. The supervisors wanted to have a method to assess the learning of the employees so online assessments would assist in that department. Online assessments can be geared for individual performance and collaborative learning projects. The instructor or facilitator has to implement formative and authentic assessment methods in order to have a significant impact of assessment measures (Kim, Smith, & Maeng, 2008).

     The three technologies I chose to provide a solution for this scenario offered tools that could be used in an asynchronous training. Using podcast would deliver step-by-step audio and visual instruction. Online assessments would provide data to the supervisor so they will know the percentage of employees who were in compliance with the safety rules. Lastly, the CMS would be a great technology tool to organize and manage the learning environment.

References

Edrisingha, P., Hawkridge, D., & Forthegill, J. (2009). A renaissance of audio:

     Podcasting approaches for learning on campus and beyond. Retrieved from:  

     http://www.eurodl.org/?article=393

Kim, N., Smith, M., & Maeng, K. (2008). Assessment in online distance education: A

     companion of three online programs at a university. Retrieved from: http://www.westga.edu/~distance/ojdla/spring111/kim111.html

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2012). Teaching and learning

     at a distance: Foundations of distance education (5th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.

MIND MAP (DL)

Distance Learning

(My Definition)

     

     My definition of distance learning mainly focuses on the physical separation of the instructor and learner, but utilizing technologies to bridge the gap. Walden University is my first official distance learning experience. I initially didn't have the confidence within myself to think that I would excel or perform well in this learning environment, but my experiences with distance learning have proven otherwise. 

     

     Throughout my research from this week's resources, I've learned that there really isn't one definition for distance learning. I also learned that distance learning and distance education are not the same thing. The definition for distance learning and distance education have changed with technology inventions and will continue to do so with time.

     Distance education is defined as an institution-based, formal education where the learning group is separated, and where interactive telecommunications systems are used to connect learners, resources, and instructors ( Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, and Zvacek, 2012). With that being said, I concluded that distance learning is like a component of distance education. Distance learning could be implemented in various methods, such as, synchronous or asynchronous learning environment. Synchronous distance learning basically means the instructor and learners are online at the same time for instruction. On the other hand, asynchronous distance learning environment allows students access at anytime. 

     My definition, along with what I research really showed similarities. Distance learning is a learning environment where the instructor and learner are physically separated, but are bridged together with the use of various technologies to provide support, resources, student collaboration, and communication. Distance teaching and distance learning are growing and will be adopted in various settings.

     Simonson (n.d.) predicted that distance education will grow significantly, but will not replace traditional schools. I honestly believe that statement because of the evolution of technology and where our society is headed. The instructional design field will be in high demand because of the budget cuts in every realm of the workforce. Teacher are not going out of town to get trained anymore, PD360 videos are training them right at their desks. Corporate employees are not using huge manuals to refresh their skills or gain skills for promotions anymore, companies are hiring instructional designers to come on board with SMEs, supervisors, and key players to design in-house trainings. Overall distance learning provides convenience, flexibility, support, and a better financial option for learners in all fields. 

 References
     
Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. 
     (2012). Teaching and learning at a distance: 
     Foundations of distance education (5th ed.) Boston, 
     MA: Pearson.

Simonson, M. (n.d.) [DVD Video] Distance Education: The    
     Next Generation. Laureate Education, Inc. 

 

 

Distance Learning

I'm currently a student at Walden University. I just started a class called Distance Learning. I can't wait to learn the past, present, and future about distance learning. As an online student, I've matured as a learner. Initially I was afraid to experience distance learning because I thought I needed the traditional classroom setting to successfully complete my studies, but I was wrong. Online learning provides you with an equal or even better learning experience. I've been very pleased with the organization, instructor support, resources, and technical support provided by Walden University. I would suggest distance learning to anyone who is considered a non-traditional student.