EDUC 7102 Module 1 Blog Posting
Simonson focuses on providing equivalent learning. Equivalent learning doesn’t mean every learner should learn the same nor does it mean that each learner should complete the same activities to meet a learning objective. Simonson believes that distance education instructors should provide learners with an experience enriched in technology. Technology is common to distance learners yet some online courses don’t integrate any more technology than a face to face classroom. Simonson focuses on provide a equivalent learning experience that accommodates the individual learner.
Moller, Huett, Foshay and Coleman focuses on the craft approach. The craft approach occurs when the teacher designs the online course according to what he/she has experienced in a face to face classroom. Setting up the infrastructure is vital to success (Ryan, Carlton, & Ali, 2004). The craft approach provides a distance education learning experience based on face to face classroom techniques. Some barriers that may occur with the craft approach are learners' intentions, society's expectations, training, and funding.
I agree with Simonson. Distance education learners should be challenged and met at their area of interest, technology. The course content and assignments should contain more technology. Integrating technology provides an equal learning experience. I also agree with the craft approach. I do believe some things from a face to face classroom should be incorporated in the distance learning experience. Communication and Collaboration is imperative in a distance learning environment. Cooperative learning is a type of collaboration. This is a learning strategy that is used frequently in the distance learning environment. There must be a balance between the face to face classroom and distance learning strategies incorporated in courses.
http://www.ablsc.com/distance-education/distance-education-trends/
This blog discusses the various ways distance education is evolving.
http://info.tegrity.com/
Jen Santaniello discusses the different technology tools that enhances distance education.
References
Huett, J., Moller, L., Foshay, W. & Coleman, C. (2008, September/October). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the Web (Part 3: K12). TechTrends, 52(5), 63–67.
Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008, May/June). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the Web (Part 1: Training and Development). TechTrends, 52(3), 70–75.
Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008, July/August). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the Web (Part 2: Higher Education). TechTrends, 52(4), 66–70.
Ryan, M., Carlton, K. H., & Ali, N. S. (2004, Mar/Apr). Reflections on the role of faculty in distance learning and changing pedagogies. Nursing Education Perspectives, 73-80.
Simonson, M. (2000). Making decisions: The use of electronic technology in online classes. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 84, 29–34.
: The use of electronic technology in online classes. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 84, 29–34.
Deidre,
ReplyDeleteYour position in terms of supporting both the equivalency theory of Simonson (2000) and the craft approach presented by Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008) is somewhat fair in that blended learning provides variations and allows the student to excel based on their learning styles. On the other hand if innovative technologies are incorporated into the learning communities such as delivery in virtual worlds, delivery using tools such as telepresence, SKYPE, webx or other tools, do you feel that in some way this could substitute the need to have a physical F2F encounter?