Select one learning, distance education, Briefly summarize the distinctives of your chosen theory. You may choose one or two. Then, summarize the key strengths (or usefulness) and weaknesses (or non- usefulness) of the theory for online or mobile course development.Your discussion of strengths and weaknesses may focus upon a specific population of your choice (i.e. third grade students, university undergraduates, adult learners, etc.); the discussion should be based in research. Then, identify how you might practically apply this theory in distance education course development, or how the theory may serve as a foundation to your distance education course development
The distance education theory that I researched had a lot to do with the negative views on distance educaiton. The theory emphasized that distance education is simply a hodgepodge of ideas and practices taken from traditional classroom settings and imposed on learners who just happen to be separated physically from an instructor. The theory also focuses on the quality of learning that takes places in a distance education program in comparison to a traditional classroom setting. To adult learners this theory could play a major inpact on their thoughts towards distance education because a lot of employers have prejudices towards distance education and base some of their employment decisions off of these ideas. This also plays a factor because this view could discourage those potential students that are interested in distance education.
This theory is a strength towards online course development because it challenges educators to push the bar and differentiate their instruction in such ways that they meet the needs of all of their students. This could also challenge the potential students to research more about educational institutions and make the educational choices that best fit their educational needs. A weakness is that the discouragement in this theory could cause some instructors to not care as much as they should when it comes to accomodating lessons and implementing instructional practices. Therefore the quality of educational experiences would be limited for the students.
In distance education course development I would apply this theory when it came to developing my overall curriculum. This is important because I would have to be able to understand this theory in order to establish my curriculum built on frameworks, standards and course guides. By doing these things I would be able to ensure that my distance education course is structured in such a way that it does not diminish the educational experience through the distance course, but rather the experiences are just as filling, if not moreso, than a traditional classroom experience.
Tysheonna,
ReplyDeleteYou highlight several key ideas in the distance education literature, specially the literature that evolves around the “No significant difference” study (Russell; see http://www.nosignificantdifference.org/). One point you highlight that I believe is very key is that adoption of technology to replicate traditional educational strategies results in ineffective DE instructional design . I actually believe that avoidance of technology, uncritical adoption of all the “latest and greatest,” and adoption of technology to replicate traditional educational strategies are three traps educators need to avoid when designing instruction that implements technology. These traps lead to unsatisfied learners, frustrated educators, and subpar learning.
Several times you refer to DE theory; however, after reading, I am wondering if you are more accurately referring to DE research. Some references to what you are referring to would be great. You do make some great points- where did they come from?
I tend to agree Amanda. Many online educational models fall into the DE category and technology tools do not add much to the process.
ReplyDeleteImplementing technology tools for the sake of having technology tools serves no purpose and is counter productive. They need to utilized in ways that add to the educational experience and either deepen, facilitate, or expand the learning process. If the tool does none of those things, then the simplest solution is best.
Paper and pencil anyone?