Module 2 Elements of Distance Education Diffusion

After viewing the video with George Siemens, I tend to agree with him in the importance of global diversity, communication, and collaborative interaction being the three important elements in the growing acceptance of distance education. These three elements are like the beginning points when constructing an online community.

Communication is defined as “The exchange of thoughts, messages, or information, as by speech, signals, writing, or behavior” (Yahoo Education, 2009). There are many other forms of the communication today that are different from traditional communication methods like the telephone, mail and face-to-face conversation. It all began with the introduction of the computer and the Internet. Today to increase interaction among learners, there are many online tools that can be used to communicate. Some of these online tools include email, chat, bulletin boards, discussion/news groups, and list servs, instant messenger, videoconferencing, webcams, blogs, and wikis just to name a few. Use of these different communication tools engages learners actively and can increase the success of online learning.

Yahoo Education.(2009). Communication. Retrieved September 20, 2009 at http://education.yahoo.com/reference/dictionary/entry/communication

Module 1 The Next Generation of Distance Education

There are a number of reasons I believe these authors believe there is a need to evolve distance education to the next generation. I tend to agree because the world is changing with the vast increase of technology and its use. Moller, Foshay, Coleman and Simonson are clear in their arguments. E-learning should have a more sound effect and be flexible to meet the needs of the learner.

Distance education makes getting a degree more accessible for some because of differences in lifestyles and learning skills. Student performance, assessments, interactive activities should all be taken into consideration when building online communities. Making a clear connection with the learner is also important in any educational setting. Distance learning organizers have to keep all of this in mine with promoting online programs.


Huett, J., Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Coleman, C. (2008, September). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web. TechTrends: Linking Research & Practice to Improve Learning, 52(5), 63-67. Retrieved September 12, 2009 Academic Search Premier database.

Moller, L., Forshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008, May). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web. TechTrends: Linking Research & Practice to Improve Learning, 52(3), 70-75. Retrieved September 12, 2009 from Academic Search Premier database.

Moller, L., Forshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008, July). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web. TechTrends: Linking Research & Practice to Improve Learning, 52(4), 66-70. Retrieved September 12, 2009 from Acadeic Search Premeir database.

Simonson, M. (2000, Winter2000). Making decisions: The use of electronic technology in online classrooms. New Directions for Teaching & Learning, Retrieved September 12, 2009 from Academic Search Premier database.

HELLO

Hello, I am using this site to create and post items during my Education Specialist Degree Program. I will also be posting information that will assist others with the use of technology in their classrooms. ENJOY!!!!