Developing a User Interface for Distance Learning

Distance Learning

and

User Interface Development

Introduction

The term distance learning commonly refers to the use of advanced electronic networks , such as the expanding range of wireless media and high speed Internet and Web applications to deliver educational services to the household , workplace or other locations remote from the instructor . There are many terms that are used interchangeably , or with subtle distinctions , including distance learning , online learning Web-based learning , and e-learning . E-learning , as seen in the previous quote , typically refers to education delivered over the Internet while distance

education can more broadly include videoconferencing and audio conferencing delivered over phone lines (Proctor et al , 2005 ,

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The potential of flexible educational delivery has profound consequences for education provision . Institutions such as schools and universities may be reinvented in preparation for a knowledge economy and learning processes may be transformed through computerized packages . Most distance learning is actually blended learning , which refers to a mix of synchronous , asynchronous , and classroom

As a beneficial application platform , web-based distance learning offers professionals , students and educators , who may otherwise find it difficult to attend programs or conferences , the opportunity to gain indispensable continuing professional development . This is just one of the benefits of moving the delivery of distance education courses from -based documents to the web . The exploitation of technology in the delivery and creation of learning experiences . can be accessed conveniently as part of its strategy statement (Mcpherson et al 2004 , p49

Distance education can and has been characterized as an educational situation in which the instructor and students are separated by time location , or both . Education or training courses are delivered to remote locations via synchronous or asynchronous means of instruction including written correspondence , text , graphics , audio- and videotape compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM , online learning , audio- and videoconferencing , interactive television , and fax . However , distance education does not preclude the use of the traditional classroom . But clearly , one of the central reasons why students choose distance learning is the freedom from traditional school hours and settings . The face-to-face sessions are simply too difficult for some students to attend

The Open University concept has moved to computer conferencing , which integrates with administrative components to reduce the complexity of managing tutors . The dynamic or changing definition of distance education is broader and entails more than the old definition of e-learning

The Electronic Village Hall (EVH ) format is one of the varieties of distance learning centers which utilize computers and information systems for the social , economic , environmental and political development of communities and neighborhoods . The activities taking place in EVHs can vary from region to region and from country to country ' Typically they may include such things as the provision of training in IT skills (introductory computer courses and distance learning packages , technical and business consultancy , facilities for telecommuting , telecommunications equipment to facilitate teleconferences , video links and access to remote desktops , and rooms for local meetings and conferences (Bell et al , 2004

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Access can also be a distinguishing feature of EVHs , with...