Distance Learning Newsletter

Table of Contents
Introduction: page 1 History: page 1 How Technological Advancements Improve Distance Learning: page 5 The Learning and Curriculum Strategies: page 8 Positive Aspects of Distance Learning: page 10 Challenges and Disadvantages of Distance Learning: page 11 Conclusion: page 16

Distance Learning Newsletter

Introduction
Have you ever wondered about taking distance learning classes? For anyone that doesnt know, distance learning classes are taught online, and teachers use webcams, computers, and other systems to communicate with you online. You might think its a struggle, which it can be, but here we will give you an overview about the history, the curriculum, how technology has made distance learning possible, advantages, disadvantages, and the challenges of distance learning. This newsletter should, ultimately, help you decide In 1993, 1.3 million students took one of more distance learning courses ... and the number ... is expected to soar to 11.6 million In his article students by the year 2000. 1,218 foureducation is a descendent year colleges and of and has a shared history universities-about Caruthstates, Online whether taking a distance learning class would be for you. 55% of the totaloffered distance learning in 1996 ... In addition, nine

History
By researching the history of distance

institutions currently offer degree programs

learning, we can get an entirely at a idea of how it all started. distance. These The following information include Boise State is what was found through University, New articles. York institute of Technology, Rochester Institute of Technology, and the University of Maryland (Goldberg, 1998:4).

Distance Learning Newsletter

with correspondence learning. The history of Distance learning dates all the way back to the 1870s. One contributor to Distance learning was In addition Anna Anna Eliot Ticknor, who Ticknor, on her in 1873 founded the mother's side, had Society to Encourage influential Studies at Home. Her connections. Her father was George Ticknor, cousin Charles who was a professor at William Eliot, Harvard University, and became president founder of the Boston of Harvard public Library. University in 1869, Her father was very influenced by education, and a lot of his interests were passed down to his daughter, one being the Boston Library. Anna quickly took the advantage oversaw enormous university and higher educational changes. Another cousin, Samuel Eliot, then president of Trinity Home was one of the first steps taken towards distance education. Elizabeth Cary Agassiz, the co-founder and first president of Radcliffe College, referred to the society as the "silent Encouraged Studies at Annas Society of (Bergman, 2001). years of existence Society for all its chairman of the to 1876, was the Boston from 1872 of Library and its massive selection of books to use for her Society of Encourage Studies at Home. Caruth writes, College from 1860 to 1864, and afterwards principal of the Girls' High and Normal School in

Distance Learning Newsletter

university" (Bergman, 2001, p. 48). Her society was the first real example of correspondence learning. Though they lacked technology, Anna conducted the society through the use of mail. The society was limited due to domestic aimed more towards obligations was that all women and served over learning was self-paced seven thousand women. (Bergman, 2001). To become enrolled in the themselves. society, the applicants had to request information. Once they became accepted they would choose an area of study, which included: English, History, Science, French, German, or Art. In order for the educations to be able to examine how well the students were learning, they were required to submit memory notes to the instructors. These memory notes as Ticknor referred to them As for grading, exams were given but did not provide the students back with their results. The exams were only used for evaluating the effectiveness of the instruction. These exams chores, to self pace woman who had domestic feedback, as for the read. It provided positive This process took place by having the educators mail the syllabi to the students, who in return were responsible to mail the completed assignments back to the educators. A benefit for women whose time was as, were used to base their memories with vivid anecdotes. Through the use of the memory notes, Ticknor thought it would be an easier way for both the student and educator to assess how well the student had retained what was

Distance Learning Newsletter

are much like the ones given in todays distance learning classes. They were taken home in a sealed envelope until the student was ready to complete it. Caruth writes: The Society to boundaries of Encourage Studies students. Ticknor at Home enrolled recruited educated over seven and affluent thousand women, friends, however, to in spite of the fact pledge as volunteer that the Society correspondents to was not widely provide to women publicized. what men had Furthermore, it was previously refused founded during an them (Bergman, emerging trend 2001). toward coeducation and the establishment of The purpose of this society was to help transform the institutions of higher education for women in the United States. Student recruitment efforts basically ignored class and geographical lives of woman. It provided them with the option to educate themselves from their homes.

How Technological Advancements Improved Distance Learning

Distance Learning has been around for a long time. However, distance learning wasnt as easy back in the day. Theda Thomas, a past distance learning student in 1980 tells her story in her article, Reflections of a Distance Learning Student. She explained that when she signed up for the class, she

Distance Learning Newsletter

was given the textbooks she would need and a list of assignments that must be completed for the course. With the idea of having a camera and screen in the room giving access to the classroom not even thought of at the time, students were basically on their own. When an article or book was needed to write a paper, they had to order it from the school library and wait for it to come in. Not only was distance learning a challenge back in the day, but college in general was a challenge compared to the luxuries of technology that we have access today. Not only can we be a part of the classroom via video chat, but we can contact other students in the class as well as out professor whenever needed with the click of a few buttons. If you have a question when youre at home working on an assignment, pull out your phone and within minutes your question is answered. Need a scholarly article? Within the click of a button, you have access to millions of articles on your topic. There are many to choose from, all at your fingertips thanks to technology. Theda explained how all assignments were done on paper, which is a lot different from today. Today, everything we turn in is solely computer based, and uploaded via Springboard. As of today, I have never handed either of my professors a single piece of paper. Theda also mentioned that she had found a few friends who were also taking the same courses she was. This was very convenient because they would help each other out when they got stuck, since communication with her professor was very inconvenient. However, if needed, they were able to contact their professor via telephone, where the lecturer could attempt to help them over the phone. This is a lot different from

Distance Learning Newsletter

today because as I mentioned before, we can easily text, email, or contact our professors and classmates with our questions with only the touch of a few buttons. Theda had been taking 5 subjects of distance learning classes all at once, making it very stressful at times, but since she had all her assignments, she was able to work ahead so that she would never get behind. Later on, in the early 2000s,Theda began taking distance learning classes again. She conferred that the technology advancements made with the 1980s and the 2000s were extensive, not only making distance learning easier on the student but also the professor. The ability for the students to be a part of the classroom via video chat made it much easier for the students in off sites to learn and participate better. Other advancements in technology allowed computer based testing for off-site students. Students are able to take their exams without having to go to the main site, which is very convenient for the student. Students are often given two chances at each computer based assessment, considering computer based assessment is proven to be far more challenging than standard paper exams. Computer based testing takes a little while to get used to at first, however it becomes easier once you are used to it. Computer based assessments are generally composed of a series of multiple choice questions to test your comprehension of the material learned in class. With the advancements in technology over the past 20 some years, schooling has been made a lot easier and efficient, opening up many opportunities for college students. Technology has made learning much more

Distance Learning Newsletter

convenient for students who live a busy lifestyle of school, work and a social life. Technology gives students more freedom to get their work done when they have time, even if that means at 2:30 in the morning. Thanks to Springboard, we can lay in bed in our pajamas to take a quiz if we really wanted to. We can turn in our assignments at anytime, whether its 10:45 in the morning or 8:30 at night the dropbox is open to turn your work in within its due date. Below is a chart of Thedas Experiences over the years of Distance Learning. She compares available support and Below is a chart comparing communication, the social organization of learning, formats of learning materials, the role of the instructor, and the feedback methods of the instructor from a 19821983 prospective and a 2007-2008 prospective. places for study from a 1982-1983 perspective and a 2007-2008 perspective.

The Learning and Curriculum Strategies

Many aspects are taken into account when constructing the best possible Distance Learning environment, the faculty, financial expenses, curriculum, and technology. This quote sums up Distance Learning and technology, Almost every new media has touched the educational system in some way but distance learning is a reinvented method of education, rather than a

Distance Learning Newsletter

new one (Harper, 2004). This new type of education still has to adhere to the students, because if they do not like or feel that the technology is relevant in their learning process. They will not take advantage of it. The teacher of a examining different Distance Learning learners, learning classroom has a lot of tasks, and settings power to take the suggests that as the education in his or hers extent of learner preferred path. Perfectly control over said in The University of Southern Californias What works in distance learning: increases, learning Guidelines. may decrease. This The high levels of learner control afforded by seems to be the case even when learners are strategies. Synchronous classrooms are that in which the teacher and student are communicating discussing DL and its various aspects of instruction Asynchronous Learning are often debated when Synchronous and always possible. a Distance Learning environment thats not learn how they like and in distance learning media and contexts are often described as one of the potential advantages of Putting this in to context distance learning. this advantage of advanced Yet the evidence control might not always from a great variety be an advantage, students of studies like to be in control and assigned to their preferred level of control over instructional presentations.

Distance Learning Newsletter

in real time. This allows for deeper interactions between teacher and student. However these are also often group based As said by learning and set at a SlveigJakobsdttir, specific time this, Sigurjn Myrdal, depending on the needs of Haukurgstsson& the program, could be problematic. article On-Line Distance Asynchronous is more Learning Environment and individually oriented Tools to Create It: Design towards each student. This Based on Theory and approach puts the material out to the student and the model predicts that student does the material learners will be motivated when and where is most with learning materials that convenient. Probably the hold their attention, that best route would be they feel are relevant, that combining the two to make confidence and from which a very whole experience. they derive satisfaction Giving the student some flexibility yet have the style in high schools and (Jakobsdttir. 1995). universities. Distance distance learning teaching You will mostly see the more and more today. brought into classrooms Technology is also being on technology. grow through the years we Practice the ARCS are relying more and more the 21st century. As we and seems appropriate for is a new style of teaching it comes to distance Nicholas A. Kearneys learning as a whole. This negative side effects when positive outcomes and There are both synchronous elements of a set meeting time where you can go further into the material.

Positive Aspects of Distance Learning

Distance Learning Newsletter

learning can benefit the educational world by providing a larger range of students, and allowing involvement from individuals who do not live near the campus (Abarashi 2011). Distance learning without the travel to a can provide a wider range campus. The costly opportunity for teaching investment of Distance because it will connect Learning should be taken students from multiple into account when thinking schools. In the regular about the best strategy. education classroom there With the rapid evolution of is a lack of this since you technology making a huge are face to face with the investment now might students. This way, in a mean losing opportunities university setting, the later. The biggest deciding distance learning class can factor of the decision be linked to outside should be what the students/classrooms. curriculum needs, adapting Another advantage that distance learning has for education is allowing students to remain at home and still be taught. This also means that students can still have the opportunity to work and still have online courses technology to a certain curriculum, rather than adapting curriculum to a fixed technology.

Challenges and Disadvantages of Distance Learning

There are some challenges when it comes to online distance learning. The costs to run distance learning classes are extremely high; its hard to grasp a single policy and procedure as whole. In the article The International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning says,In general, ODL planning is focused on budget and staffing issues and not on the

Distance Learning Newsletter

critical pedagogical issues of ODL. However, ODL is so much more than just a teaching mode or method; it is a distinct and coherent field of education which is focused on new delivery methods with a pedagogical philosophy (Levy, 2003). Online distance learning is becoming more and more popular amongst colleges and universities, and with that you need to become more flexible, and find methods of teaching that will work. Traditional methods might not be beneficial moving in a different direction of learning. The initial cost of running distance learning classes is very high. Also, technology is constantly changing, so that means changing computers, systems, and databases. The IRRDL article states, The costs are initially high, and with everchanging technology, it could end up costing more than face-to-face teaching. They also state, Similarly, electronic or technology-enhanced courses do not necessitate more facilities, but institutions will incur capital outlays such as computer hardware and software and their updating and maintenance, additional personnel costs such as webmaster, instructional designers, course administrators, and e-tutors, and computer assistance to students. The most important aspect is the quality of education and the threat of dishonesty in technologically advanced learning environments (Lezberg, 2003). Universities probably have to consider if the program is going to worth it. Also, a lot of colleges and universities try to be competitive with offering online distance learning classes, but offering distance learning classes for financial reasons is not

Distance Learning Newsletter

a good reason at all. The IRRDL writes, In many cases these institutions rush to provide technology-enhanced learning or ODL, which is in contrast with their initial goals and strategies, in an effort to stay competitive in the field or for financial reasons. Financial reasons are usually the wrong reasons for implementing ODL or technologyadvanced learning. Colleges should instead look at the benefits of what distance learning classes could offer to students and the university as well. Learning should be the ultimate goal. Another challenge in distance learning is agreeing on the policies and procedures that is should abide by. IRRODL writes,The greatest challenge for education institutions in moving towards ODL is to adopt a singular vision, policies, and procedures for ODL implementation. In general, ODL planning is focused on budget and staffing issues and not on the critical pedagogical issues of ODL. However, ODL is so much more than just a teaching mode or method; it is a distinct and coherent field of education which is focused on new delivery methods with a Just as there are advantages to teaching classes online, there are pedagogical philosophy (Levy, 2003). Online distance learning brings teaching to a new level. With the expansion of the classroom, brings new teaching methods. Other disadvantages include not being able to see your professor. Also, if you fall behind is classwork, it might make it difficult to catch up with your school work. According to the Tribal College Journal of American Indian Higher Education:

Distance Learning Newsletter

also disadvantages. While enrolled in an online course, students do not have many one-onone meetings with their instructors. In addition, some students may feel left behind and thus not perform as they should. This is a major disadvantage, but it can be addressed. At OLC, for example, instructors are available to their students by email, phone (this includes texting), and in person when Even though this is a disadvantage, there are ways to turn it into a positive one. At most colleges there are other ways of communication, thanks to technology. Also, a perfect example of turning a disadvantage into a positive one, at The University of Akron, a professor named Mr. needed. This mitigates the level of isolation, yet increases communication between students and instructors using technology. Harrell visits his distance learning classes. In order for you to do well in your classes, you definitely need to study, as you would any class. Tribal College Journal of American Indian Higher Education writes: In order for students to excel in their online courses, they must have motivation and self-discipline. Some students, but not all, procrastinate in working on their assignments and fall behind. When

Distance Learning Newsletter

this happens more than one time, students sometimes give up on the course altogether. Another possible hurdle for online education is that it requires access to the Internet. If students lack access at home or at a nearby library, it can affect their participation in the course and their ability to access course materials. Even if students do have the Internet at home, they might encounter computer or Internet glitches. Being in distance learning classes might be more of struggle than traditional taught classes, but as long as you are persistent in your school work it should make your goals achievable. I believe the difficulties of distance learning classes are the same difficulties that any college student struggles with. Experiencing distance learning classes personally, I can see the disadvantages of distance learning. Not being able to see your professor physically everyday could be a struggle. Also, you are your own motivator. You have to be diligent in your As you can see there are many aspects to distance learning. However, if you are thinking of taking a distance learning class, it will take more selfmotivation and determination to succeed than in a regular classroom setting. Hopefully this article has prepared you for what distance learning is like, and you can make a school work to make sure you do not get behind. However, as long as you stay focused, you should be able to overcome those obstacles.

Conclusion

Distance Learning Newsletter

decision to see if distance learning will be appropriate for you. By the research and information that was found, distance learning definitely has good or positive aspects of it, than it does the negatives.

Distance Learning Newsletter

Works Cited Abarashi, Maryam. Improving Education Through Distance Education and Online Learning. Nature and Science 9.8 (2011): 55-8. Web. 15 November 2013. Al-Alsfour, Ahmed. Online Teaching: Navigating its Advantages, Disadvantages and Best Practices. Tribal College Journal of American Indian Higher Education 23.3 (2012): 15. Web. 16 November 2013. Banas, Edward J., and W. Frances Emory. "History and Issues of Distance Learning." Public Administration Quarterly 22.3 (1998): 365-383. Web. 17 Nov. 2013. Caruth, Gail D., and Donald L. Caruth. "Distance Education in the United States: From Correspondence Courses to The Internet." Turkish Online Journal Of Distance Education (TOJDE) 14.2 (2013): 141-149. Web. 10 Nov. 2013. Kiryakova, G. Review of Distance Education. Trakia Journal of Sciences 7.3 (2009): 29-34. Web. 9 November 2013. Minnaar, Ansie. Challenges for Successful Planning of Open and Distance Learning (odl): A Template Analysis. The International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning 14.3 (2013): 81-108. Web. 13 November 2013. Thomas, Theda. "Has Distance Learning Become More Flexible? Reflections of a Distance Learning Student."Interdisciplinary Journal Of E-Learning & Learning Objects 8 (2012): 39-49. Web. 10 Nov. 2013.

Distance Learning Newsletter