CHAPTER 11

Distance Education:

A Student Perspective

OBJECTIVES

1. Conduct a self-assessment of your readiness for learning in a distance education environment

2. Understand how the technology used to deliver distance education can influence your learning

3. Develop appropriate learning skills for success in a distance learning course

4. Identify distance education courses and programs that can meet your learning and career goals

Definitions of Terms Related to Distance Education

•Asynchronous

•Communication exchange at different times

•Chat

•Exchanges messages in real time

•Course Management Software (CMS)

•Facilitate distance learning by centralization

•Distance Education

•Student and instructor are in different locations

Definitions of Terms Related to Distance Education

•Synchronous Communication

•People communicating to each other at the same time

•Threaded Discussion

•Information exchange pertaining to specific interests

•Video Conferencing

•A “virtual” conference

•Virtual Classroom

•Learning environment that exists solely online

Self-Assessment for Distance Education

•Success equals motivation and interest in learning

•Where you fit in this picture:

•What are your literacy skills and background knowledge?

•What are your personal attributes?

•How important are social interactions?

•Factors that determine your experience:

•Total education delivered in this format

•Specific type of distance education technology used

Interactive Video Conferencing

•Classroom Ambiance

•Learning Engagement

•Classroom Interaction

•Web-Based Course Management Programs

•Distance Education Learning Skills

•Assume You Are in Charge of Your Learning

Developing Appropriate Learning Skills

•Set Aside a Specific Time and Place to Learn

•Use Effective Communication Skills to Build Good Relationships with Classmates

•Manage Your Stress

•Learning new content of the course

•Learning in a distance education environment

•Learning how to navigate through the course

•Learning new computer skills

Selecting a Distance Education Program

•Is the Program Accredited?

•Is Every Aspect of the Program Totally Online?

•What Does the Program Cost?

•Which Timelines Apply to the Program?

•Are the Faculty Qualified?

•Are Distance Education Student Support Services Available?

Other Distant Learning Support Services

•Online university and program orientation

•Technical orientation and support

•Online registration, financial aid, etc.

•Academic advising and support

•Online student organizations and government

•Online book store access

•Career services assistance

•Writing assistance and/or workshops