Over the life of
distance learning programs, many changes and improvements have taken place. What was once a correspondence course driven
system where teaching and learning was a conducted by mail has now grown to
become an interactive learning experience which, in some ways, can rival face-to-face
classroom approaches. Wang (2006) cites
Carnevale’s suggestion that online learning and distance education “is becoming
a more consumer-driven market.” As a
result, he asserts the need for developing quality distance learning programs
containing five elements identified by Moore to be learning effectiveness,
access, student satisfaction, and cost effectiveness. The elements of learning effectiveness and
student satisfaction seem to be directly correlative to a quality online
learning experience.
Simonson &
Schlosser (2004) and Smith (2006) have presented several proposed best
practices to implement an effective distance learning program. First, Simonson and Schlossher assert that
distance education is a system and requires a systems approach for its
design. That being said, here are a few
key words and phrases that can be found in the literature to help identify and
define a distance learning system that would potential yield a quality learning
experience.
Key
Words/Phrases
Experiential – addresses leaner
experiences
Participatory – emphasizes involvement
Interactive – allows opportunities
to engage in a variety of way
Relevant – content is current and
relates to real world concepts
Clear – directions, content,
feedback, and assessments are not vague or confusing
Student centered – activities and
interactions revolve around the student
Engaging – Useful, active, interesting
content with pace controlled in some part or completely by the student
Consistent – both teaching and
learning expectations are clearly defined and adhered to throughout the course
or program.
The
list is not exhaustive by any means. These
few key words and phrases capture the spirit of a student centered learning
experience which supports a constructivist learning theory as I proposed at the
onset of this course. Distance education
seems to be an ever changing system that, in some ways, has a life of its
own. As technology and education change
and grows, so does the distance education system. Educational technologists and educators of
every ability should be the nurtures of this living system so that will
continue to grow and bear good fruit.
References
Simonson,
M., & Schlosser, C. (2004). We need a plan: An instructional design
approach for distance education courses. Distance Learning, 1(4), 29-38.
Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/230685349?accountid=12085
Smith,
L. M. (2006). Effective science tools supporting best practice methodologies in
distance education. Distance Learning, 3(4), 47-57. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/230682589?accountid=12085
Wang,
Q. (2006). Quality assurance - best practices for assessing online programs.
International Journal on ELearning, 5(2), 265-274. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/210338562?accountid=12085
