Definition of Distance Education
There are many definitions and theories of distance education. Major contributors to the field have several commonalities. The common points are the separation of the teacher and learner, the influence of an educational organization, the use of media to create a learning environment that unite the teacher and learner, the opportunity for a two-way communication system is available and the practice of individualized instruction. The debate of how to practice and do research in the field of distance education will continue as technology advances and new ideas about student learning emerge. Globalization that is enabled by technology is also a factor that will influence the definition and the practice of distant education.
Personally, I define distance learning as a method of delivering an effective lesson, which can take place without the constraints of time and place. There are several factors to consider when creating effective online learning material. There must be a detailed plan available such as a syllabus to express the expectations on the learner explaining the course and learning modules, including the related materials available.
Establishing effective communication between the learner and the instructor is critical and the responsibility for this falls on the instructor. It is the student’s responsibility to make time for the class, have access to the technology that is needed to successfully complete the coursework and be willing to communicate any issues as they arise. Students must actively participate in using the technology, understand the materials presented and engage in meaningful dialogue with colleagues and the instructor.
Students learn at a different pace and are motivated by different types of media. Course materials must be selected that allow students to learn based on their own preferred learning style. Offerings could include video, reading and doing projects. Simple methods of evaluation are developed to let the students follow their progress. Course design would include breaks in the materials that allow stopping and starting points.
Charles Wedemeyer’s theory focused on the independence of the student. He emphasized that learning takes place through the student's activity and is made convenient for the student in the student's own environment. The learner takes responsibility for the pace of learning with freedom to start and stop at any time.
Listed below are the ten characteristics he suggested a system should do that emphasized the independence of the learner and the use of technology.
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http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/
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Personally, I define distance learning as a method of delivering an effective lesson, which can take place without the constraints of time and place. There are several factors to consider when creating effective online learning material. There must be a detailed plan available such as a syllabus to express the expectations on the learner explaining the course and learning modules, including the related materials available.
Establishing effective communication between the learner and the instructor is critical and the responsibility for this falls on the instructor. It is the student’s responsibility to make time for the class, have access to the technology that is needed to successfully complete the coursework and be willing to communicate any issues as they arise. Students must actively participate in using the technology, understand the materials presented and engage in meaningful dialogue with colleagues and the instructor.
Students learn at a different pace and are motivated by different types of media. Course materials must be selected that allow students to learn based on their own preferred learning style. Offerings could include video, reading and doing projects. Simple methods of evaluation are developed to let the students follow their progress. Course design would include breaks in the materials that allow stopping and starting points.
Charles Wedemeyer’s theory focused on the independence of the student. He emphasized that learning takes place through the student's activity and is made convenient for the student in the student's own environment. The learner takes responsibility for the pace of learning with freedom to start and stop at any time.
Listed below are the ten characteristics he suggested a system should do that emphasized the independence of the learner and the use of technology.
- Operating any place whether or not there are teachers at the same place at the same time.
- Place greater responsibility for learning on the student
- Faculty members focus on educational tasks
- Offer students wider choices (more opportunities) in courses, formats and methodologies.
- Use all the teaching media and methods proven effective
- Mix and combine media and methods
- Redesign and develop courses
- Adapt to individual differences
- Evaluate student achievement simply
- Permit students to start, stop, and learn at their own pace
Graphic image by cooldesign, ID: 100258088
http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/
Standard License