Distance Learning: AnEvaluation of Online Learning

The University of Southern MississippiIT 648: Telecommunications in Education

Amy Thornton

What is Distance Learning? Distance education, or distance learning, is a field

of education that focuses on the pedagogy,technology, and instructional systems design thataim to deliver education to students who are notphysically "on site” (wikipedia)

an educational system, in which students haveminimal or no residency at the institution itself(Webster’s Dictionary)

What is Online Learning? Any learning experience or environment

that relies upon the Internet/WWW asthe primary delivery mode ofcommunication and presentation.

Often makes use of a LearningManagement System.

Learning Management Systems Angel Learning

http://www.angellearning.com/ Blackboard/WebCT

http://www.blackboard.com/us/index.bbb Desire2Learn

http://www.desire2learn.com/ eCollege

http://www.ecollege.com/index.learn Moodle

http://moodle.org/ Sakai

http://sakaiproject.org/

Web 2.0 InstructionalTools

Blogs (e.g., wordpress)Wikis (e.g., GoogleDocs)Social Networks (e.g., Ning)Online Videos (e.g., youTube)

Components Syllabus Content

Learning Modules Podcasts Lecture Notes Instructional Videos

Collaboration Tools Discussion Board Chat/Video Conferencing

Assignments Assessments

Course Development Evaluation Syllabus Design of Instruction Course Structure and Organization Learner Support and Resources Learner Interaction and Collaboration Effective use of Course Technology Assessment and Evaluation

Navigability & Organization Syllabus and required instructional materials should be

easy to locate Course material is accurate and up-to-date Course content is organized in a logical format Topics are clearly identified and subtopics are related to

topics Course schedule is available in a printer-friendly format Folders have descriptions before opening them Nothing should be more than 3 clicks from the top level

Design Typeface choice and contrast between text

and background enhances readability Use appropriate images supporting course

content add to visual interest Design keeps course pages to a comfortable

length with white space Consistent theme should be used throughout

Consistency Layout of course should be visually and functionally

consistent Navigability should be clear, simple and user friendly Spelling and grammar should be consistent and accurate Written material should be concise Clear directions should be given for each task or

assignment Links to outside Web sites should open in a new browser

window

Accessibility Include transcripts of any non-text objects Images are optimized for speedy display

and include alternative text Alternative formats of materials provided

to adhere to all learning styles Use of color adds interest but does not

disadvantage those with color blindness

Communication Discussion Board Synchronous chats E-mail Listserv Teleconferencing Group discussion areas Instant Messaging Online office hours Designated announcement area Create area for off-topic discussions

Content Delivery Podcasting Online presentations Streaming Video Self-tests and activities Flash illustrations Animated screen captures Audio clips

Advantages

FlexibilityConvenientAnytime, anywhere accessTeach self-disciplineTeach technology skills

Disadvantages Isolation Technology failure Lack of technology skills of instructor and

students Requires self-discipline and time

management skills Requires more time and work

Challenges Keeping students engaged with content Creating an online community Learning the technology Meeting the needs of all learning styles Finding the time and energy

References Badge, J., Dawson, E., Cann, A. & Scott, J. (2008, May). Assessing the

Accessibility of Online Learning. Innovations in Education & TeachingInternational, 45(2):103-113.

Buckley, W. & Smith, A. (2008, Summer). Application of MultimediaTechnologies to Enhance Distance Learning. Re:View, 39(2):57-65.

Christe, B. (2003). Designing Online Courses to Discourage Dishonesty:Incorporate a multilayered approach to promote honest student learning.Educause Quaterly, 4, 54-58.

distance learning. (n.d.). Webster's New Millennium™ Dictionary of English,Preview Edition (v 0.9.7). Retrieved July 15, 2008, from Dictionary.comwebsite: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/distance learning

References Humboldt State University (2004, March). Instructional Design Tips for

Online Instruction. Retrieved July 24, 2008, fromhttp://www.humboldt.edu/~jdv1/InstructionalDesignTips.pdf

Hurt, J (2008, Summer). The Advantages and Disadvantages of Teachingand Learning Online: A Qualitative Study of One Rural Community College.Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin 74(74):5-11.

Lin, H. (2007, December). Measuring Online Learning Systems Success:Applying the Updated DeLone and McLean Model. CyberPsychology &Behavior, 10(6):817-820.

The University of South Dakota I.D. Weeks Library (2001, January).Glossary of Library and Internet Terms. Retrieved July 21, 2008, fromhttp://www.usd.edu/library/instruction/glossary.shtml#o

References The University of Southern Mississippi Learning Enhancement

Center (2008, July). Online Course Development Guide and Rubric.Retrieved July 22, 2008, fromhttp://www.usm.edu/lec/docs/LEC_Online_course_rev2-3.pdf

Virtualstudent.com (n.d.). Challenges of Education Online,Retrieved July 24, 2008, fromhttp://www.virtualstudent.com/html/challenges.html

Wikipedia, Retrieved July 15, 2008, fromhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distance_education