Selecting Distance Learning Technologies

A new automated staff information system was recently purchased by a major corporation and needs to be implemented in six regional offices. Unfortunately, the staff is located throughout all the different offices and cannot meet at the same time or in the same location. As an instructional designer for the corporation, you have been charged with implementing a training workshop for these offices. As part of the training, you were advised how imperative it is that the staff members share information, in the form of screen captures and documents, and participate in ongoing collaboration.

            As an instructional designer working for this company, I will propose two different types of distance learning technologies to address the challenges of implementing this workshop. Since location and time constraint is the primary concern, it seems that the users will need to have accessibility to access these technology tools at their convenience. The first technology tool that I am proposing to implement with the training is the use of the wiki. A wiki is a website that does not require any type of downloadable software. A benefit of using the wiki is that it is user friendly and easy to manage a web page (Konieczny, 2007). In addition, a wiki supports the use of collaboration which allows users to edit any part of the site. The cost of using a wiki depends on the available wiki packages, some universities and colleges use wiki sites for faculty and students purposes (Konieczny, 2007).  

In relationship to the training workshop, the wiki will benefit the collaboration amongst the members by exchanging information, documents, videos and participating in discussion. Since the corporation contains six different locations, each location can be assigned their own wiki site. This will make it manageable to ensure that each participant is held accountable for collaboration. With the use of usernames and passwords, members from the corporation can visit other wikis. However this decision would reflect the overall short and long term goals of this training.

A naturalistic observation method was conducted with sixteen graduate students over a period of ten weeks to evaluate the effectiveness of the wiki environment amongst learners and the level of interaction (Huang, 2010).A survey of open ended questions was used to evaluate this study. Results concluded that interaction among students steadily progressed with the weeks. Less interaction with instructor and more interaction with the learners were present. It was evident that learners were comfortable with managing their time and interaction level with their peers over the ten week program (Huang, 2010).

The second technology tool that I am proposing for the training is the use of Course Management System. A CMS (Course Management System) is a virtual learning environment that uses software to design education courses for learners (Simonson, 2012). This tool provides many benefits that allow educators to track learner progress as well as promotes the use of learner interaction. One benefit that CMSs provide is quizzes and tests. This would be beneficial for the participants in the training process because corporate management can monitor the effectiveness of the training. Resources and activities can also be incorporated for users to support collaboration with the learners (Simonson, 2012).

A case study demonstrates the success of using a CMS.  A group of undergraduate students participated in a group project for a biology course. Eighty-three students used a CMS to create their own project site (Lonn, 2009). An online data survey was used to measure the effectives of using CMSs in distance education. Event logs and communication via email were tools to conclude results (Lonn, 2009). Data supports that 74% of students visit the site few times daily or weekly (Lonn, 2009). Based on activities involved in the CMS, the highest rating of using this technology tool was the use of sharing resources and messages among group members (Lonn, 2009). Also the use of managing files and announcements indicated an effective use of clear communication. This suggests the use of a CMS would be a great tool to manage content and the level of learner participation.  

Resources

Huang, D. (2010). A Case Study of Wikis’ Effects on Online Transactional Interactions. Merlot Journal of Online Learning and Teaching , 6 (1), 1-13.

Konieczny, P. (2007). Wikis and Wikipedia as a Teaching Tool. International Journal of Instructional Design & Distance Learning , 4 (1), 15-34.

Lonn, S. (2009, April 14). Using Learning Management Systems for Course Projects:A Case Study of Student Collaboration. Retrieved September 22, 2012, from CTools: https://ctools.umich.edu

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2012). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (5th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson

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Distance Learning

Distance learning has evolved as new technologies such as the use of electronic readers and the use of global positioning system have taken major roles into our lives. The use of this type of learning has provided possibilities to grow professional in a degree seeking world. Differences among distance education and self study contribute to the success that distance learning has brought to students. Implementing the use of distance learning allows for educators and students to participate while in different locations and to communicate interactively either at synchronous or asynchronous times. In addition, electronic media is disposable to aide what is being studied (Simonson, 2012).

                                                                                                  

           Prior to beginning this course, my perception of distance learning was overall positive and open minded. The first distance learning courses that I participated in were in undergraduate studies. Distance education was seen as a useful tool to accommodate my lifestyle as full time employee. While engaging in this learning, I found that I was forced to teach myself the content for the courses. By doing this, I became more familiar with the subject matter, thus my level knowledge strengthened. However, I struggled more during this process because, there were few live examples that I could use to relate to. Eventually, I noticed that some courses did not seem as effective as others in distance education. With this in mind, participating in distance learning reflects the learner and what is more beneficial for them. Web-based instruction and learning communities facilitate effectively when collaboration among learners is present (Columbaro & Monahgan, 2009). It is concluded that although web-based instruction may not benefit all learners, becoming proficient in content reflects supportive learning communities present in distance learning (Columbaro & Monahgan, 2009).

           As my perception of distance learning continues to develop, I have found that web-based learning is not restricted to educational institutions. It reaches to businesses and nonprofit organizations to promote professional growth and development. Being a teacher, I never really made the connection until now. I am often attending training courses that are offered by the district in traditional face to face classrooms. However, when new implementations are put into place district wide, educators are required to attend training through web based modules.  This reflects the method in which sophisticated instructional designers or specialists develop a course based on standards, expectations, and curriculum (Columbaro & Monahgan, 2009).

           In addition, distance education continues to define its purpose and quality of work. Since I have participated in many distance learning courses, I have found that most courses are rigorous and promote critical thinking. Research suggests that web based learning can be more effective because of the greater use of technology. A study revealed that seventy-five percent of faculty members held positive feelings about distance learning (Columbaro & Monahgan, 2009). Due to more flexibility, higher student participation, higher order quality of interaction, and in depth student connections (Columbaro & Monahgan, 2009). I can agree with this because, a student is held to high expectations when it comes to participation. In order to participate, students must become familiar with the content to engage in discussions and complete course requirements. I am not concluding that face to face classrooms are less effective; however I am implying that distance education is an effective way of learning.

           As mention earlier, distance education continues to shape a new way of learning. Like most new technologies it is a way of life that will benefit all learners by providing opportunities for growth. In my opinion what contributes to student success is that distance learning is universal in which it does not provide many restrictions for students to participate. It is important to keep in mind that the foundation for effective web based courses relies on the design, development, and delivery of instruction (Simonson, 2012).

Resources

Columbaro, N. L., & Monaghan, C. H. (2009). Employer Perceptions of Online Degrees: A Literature Review. Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, XII, (1).

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2012). Teaching and learning at a distance: foundations of distance education fifth edition. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

Distance Learning

Hello everyone,I  am excited to start this course in distance learning  I am really interesting in learning more about the background behind this learning and teaching method. As well as, investigate what makes distance learning so effective. I can remember when distance learning became popular in my undergraduate courses and became known as an alternative to face to face classrooms. As years progress, distance learning has moved towards primary and secondary educational institutions. Therefore it is evident to conclude that distance learning is playing a major role in education and the way students are learning. I hope to share knowledge and learn from you throughout course. Sophia