Distance Learning in the Classroom
Bailey Bollenbacher And
Courtney Allard
http://youtu.be/uZk-WdYHkoc
Distance Learning
Definition: the delivery of instruction to students who are separated from their teacher by time and/or location
Also called: distributed learning, virtual classrooms
Brief History
Mid-1800s 1920s Today
Advantages
• Gets rid of the cost of transportation
• Allows a flexible schedule
• Allows you to focus better because you choose when and where to attend the class.
Advantages
• No missed days to due weather.
• No missed days due to illness on your part OR the instructors.
• Less stress; cheaper alternative to an actual campus.
Disadvantages
Disconnect between students and teacher
Disconnect between students
Schedule differences
Technology problems
Case Study at The Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth
Purpose: The purpose of the study was to explore the effectiveness of distance learning for gifted students and to compare the outcomes for students in different age groups.
Elementary Middle High School Total0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
"I enjoyed my course..."
Never/Almost NeverSometimesUsually/Always
Perc
ent
Elementary Middle High School Total0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
5
4.32 4.37 4.25 4.32
"How Satisfied Are You With Your Academic Experience?"Averages on a scale of 1 to 5
Elementary Middle High School Total3.86
3.88
3.9
3.92
3.94
3.96
3.98
4
4.02
4.04
4.06
4.04
3.92
3.97 3.97
Mean Final Course Grades by Age Group
A+ = 4.33
A = 4.00
A- = 3.67
B+ = 3.33
B = 3.00
B- = 2.67
C+ = 2.33
C = 2.00
Elementary Middle High School Total0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
"Which of the Following Statements Best Describes Your Feelings About This Subject Now That You Have
Taken This Course?"
Less Interested in SubjectNo Change in SubjectMore Interested in Subject
Perc
enta
ge
Traditional Classroom
Distance Learning Class
Step 1: Ready
Students
Ask questions to determine whether content needs to be reviewed
Review content as needed
Prepare a pretest so students can self-assess whether they have the necessary previous content.
Make review materials available.
Comparing Traditional and Distance Lesson Planning
Comparing Traditional and Distance Lesson Planning
Traditional Classroom
Distance Learning Class
Step 2: Target
Specific Objective
s
Select target objective for lesson.
Prepare students by explaining what they will be able to do as a result of the lesson.
Respond to student’s questions about the lesson.
Post the target objective in a location student will notice.
Explain the objective in detail, since there may be a time delay if students have a question.
Articulate how questions should be asked and will be responded to.
Comparing Traditional and Distance Lesson Planning
Traditional Classroom Distance Learning Class
Step 3: Prepare the
Lesson
Decide how your classroom needs to be arranged for particular lesson.
Write notes for yourself as to how you will accomplish each step of the lesson.
Select and set up the materials, media, and technologies needed and decide how they will be used by you and by the students.
Decide upon assessments for the lesson and select materials and means for implementation.
Create content modules so that students have manageable materials to work with.
For each module, sequence each step of the lesson and provide a detailed explanation to the student for how to proceed through each step.
Prepare all materials with detailed instructions for their use and include them in the students’ modules.
Arrange for all media to be made available to students.
Arrange for technologies to be available to students who do not have access.
Provide students with detailed procedures for accessing and using media and technologies.
Prepare assessments well in advance. Make arrangements for proctoring, and
communicate procedures for assessment to students.
Types of Distance Learning
What is MarineNet?
A distance learning enterprise network which delivers electronic courseware and interactive multimedia instruction to marines around the globe.
Anyone with a military ID card can access and use MarineNet, as long as they are in the DEERS database. (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System)
Includes, veterans, retirees, reserve, active duty and family members.
http://education.skype.com/ http://vimeo.com/21394694 1167 Projects, 18,534 Teachers, and
586 Resources (as of November 4, 2011)
Collaborate Connect Discover
How to Use It› Social Studies› English› Foreign Language› Geography
Real Life Application
US Department of Education:› 4.3 Million students took at least one distance
learning course in 2007-08.› 800,000 (4%) of all undergraduates took their
entire program through distance education.› 22% of all US students with bachelors degrees
– 760,000 of them – took distance learning courses 2007-08.
› 302,000 took entire program online, 4.2% of all life science students took their entire program through distance learning.