Wilson Summaries

Distance Learning

According to The Association for Educational Communications and Technology (Schlosser Simonson , 2002 ) distance learning is an institution-based formal education where the learning group is separated and where interactive telecommunications system are used to connect learners , resources and instructors

These kind of learning practice has been going on for over a century now . They started this kind of method using correspondence then with the continuous development in technology , added more ways to deliver a much more effective ways in distance learning . They began using the television and radio in

1920 's and 1950 's then in 1960 's they use computer-based instructions . Now with the advancement in computer and invention of the Internet , distance learning boomed and developed to a better height

The use of technology in distance learning can be synchronous or asynchronous . In asynchronous distance-learning courses , the instructor and the students do not directly interact . Most traditional computer-assisted instruction falls into this category , as do televised lectures and correspondence courses . In synchronous modes of distance learning , including two-way satellite broadcasts , students and instructor interact live in a "virtual classroom (Ragvalia and Sommer 2000

While asynchronous modes of presentation allow for "anytime , anywhere education , they lose the dynamism of real-time teacher-student and student-student interaction . But although synchronous distance learning holds greater potential for students , it places higher demands on a school 's technical support staff . If glitches occur , students can find themselves unable to progress . Synchronous instruction tends to work best where the school has reliable Internet connections and modern computers (Ragvalia and Sommer , 2000

There are five types of online program according to Watson et .al (2004

Statewide Supplemental Programs - Student take individual courses but are enrolled in physical school or cyber school within the state . These programs are authorized by the state and overseen by the state education governing agencies

District Level Supplemental Program - Are typically operated by autonomous districts and are typically not tracked by state agencies

Single District Cyber School - Provide an alternative to the traditional face-to-face school environment and offered by individual district for students within that districts

Multi-district Cyber School - Are operated within individual school districts but enroll students from other school districts within the state . This represents the largest growth sector in K-12 online learning

Cyber Charters - Axe chartered within a single district but can draw students from across the state . In many cases they are connected in some way to commercial curriculum providers

Preparation for Teachers in Distance Learning

Distance learning is a very serious thing . Not because it uses the advancement of technology and it makes the life of a student very easy and comfortable , that we will neglect the quality of education that we will give through distance learning . According to Simmone (2006 teachers for distance learning must also be prepared . They should be given proper training and seminar in to be qualified Distance Educators . Simmone also suggest different training strategies for the distance learning teachers . They are as follows

1 . It was designed to take place...