Distance Learning Essay -- Education Technology Technological Papers

Distance Learning Distance learning ( command) has become an integral part of the education process all over the past few decades and is growing in popularity as technology advances.(Willis 1992) describes distance education (as) the organizational framework andprocess of providing instruction at a distance. Distance education takes go down when ateacher and student(s) are physically separated, and technology(is) used to bridge theinstruction gap. (Coutts 1996). Furthermore, distance learning activities are designedto fit the specific context for learning, the nature of the subject result intended learningoutcomes, needs and goals of the learner, the learners environment and the instructional echnologies and methods. (American Council of Education 1996).According to Moore and Thompson (1990), there are essential elements needed for effective distance learning to take place*Be prompt in coming online and insist students do the same.*Use a natural style of delivery speak slowly a nd enunciate clearly.* keep back spontaneity, avoid reading from a script.*Use visuals effectively.*Use frequent changes of pace to maintain interest.*Frequently draw participants into discussions.*Always refer to participants by name.*Give on the spur of the moment concluding summaries of the concepts presented.*Provide structure by effectively using authority.*Control verbal traffic.*Provide socio-emotional support by integrating late group members and encourage humor.*Establish a democratic atmosphere by sharing authority and asking for participation.*Create a sense of shared space and history.*Model grab behavior.*Seek and clarify a common definition of terms.*Set an appropriate pace (Mo... ...ournal of Distance Education . Moore, Michael G. & Thompson, Melody M. (1990) The Effects of Distance Learning. A thick of Literature. (Research Monograph, Number 2). Southern Ohio Telecommunications Consortium. Moore, Michael G. (1989, June). Distance Education A Learning Syste m. Lifelong Learning. pg. 8--11. Distance Education A Learning System. Simonson, M. (1997). Distance Education Does Anyone Really necessitate to Learn At A Distance. Contemporary Education, 68. Page 104--107. Willis, B. (1998, Jan-Feb). Effective Distance Education Planning Lessons Learned. educational Technology. Willis, B. (1994). Distance Education Strategies and Tools. New JerseyEducational Technology Publications. Willis B. (1992). Effective Distance Education A Primer for Faculty and Administrators. Monograph Series in Distance Education. 2