DISTANCE LEARNING

Distance Learning

Definition:
It is a learning strategy that utilizes multimedia methods to connect teachers and learners who are geographically separated.

Advantage:
People in rural areas or those who are homebound can have greater access to information and even educational degrees.
Learners who used to have to travel several hours to attend courses or educational sessions can now receive the information in their homes or at a local site.
Accessibility of a larger variety of courses
Self-directed nature of the learning experience
Opportunity to learn more about technology

Disadvantage:
Lack of face-to-face contact with the teacher
Possibility of having technology glitches which may be as severe as the system’s shutting down and being inaccessible
Learners may not be able to access the hardware and software they need.
Some may struggle with learning to use the technology at the same time they are supposed to be learning contents.
Some may not learn well with less structure in the educational experience.
Some may experience alienation.

Two Types of Technology Utilized:

Television-based
A typical television classroom contains a teaching podium with a control panel for the cameras and monitors, a microphone for the teacher, a computer hook-up, a document camera and a fax machine.
There are variations of equipment, but in most configurations, the plan is to allow each teaching or learning site to be visible and heard and to allow maximum interaction between teacher and students and between students to students. Each remote site is similarly equipped, so transmission can occur from any site.

Internet-based
Classes that is delivered via the Internet and the World Wide Web.
Such courses are expanding exponentially as academia, business and health care organizations are all getting into the business of distance learning and believed that online courses can be cost effective.

Television-based classes
Class management
It is desirable to either mail course materials to all students before the first calls or to have materials available on a course Web site. Single handouts can be faxed to remote sites at the beginning of class sessions if there is convenient copying capability in the remote sites.
Examinations require logistic planning. In-class written examinations must be prepared well in advance so they can be mailed to the remote sites, stored in a safe place, and distributed during the class. Often, in class, open-book tests are given or take-home tests are used.
Classes should be videotaped so that if the home-site class continues after technological failure, the remote sites can play the video later.
There must be a proctor available at all times and the presence of a technician during the broadcast times is generally considered essential.
Current patrons
Majority of the users come from colleges and universities.
However, large hospitals, medical centers, and health maintenance organizations are also using ITV classrooms for staff development. Hospital conglomerates and consortiums can maximize the efficiency of some staff development programs by sending them to several sites at one time.

Internet-based classes
Synchronous versus Asynchronous
Synchronous online learning occurs when people interact in real time electronically via the Internet or intranet. Much more common are asynchronous applications in which materials are located on a web page that can be accessed at any time at the learners’ convenience. Whether classes are synchronous or asynchronous, the role of the teacher is to guide the learners and keep them on track, while providing support and motivation.
Advantage and Disadvantage of Online Courses
Advantages:
Greater access
More convenient
High availability
Promotes active learning
Promotes independence, time management and self-discipline
Disadvantages
It cannot substitute for the full, rich experience of the classroom
Visual cues (body language and expression) and their meaning in written discussion
become absent.
Immediate clarification and feedback is not available.
Unavailability of technology to some learners
Older learners lack the literacy skills
Valuable course time may be lost while people try to learn rudiments of skill
Academic faculty who have had experience with learning online courses spend more time
on teaching traditional courses
Written e-mail messages may take longer than would a face-to-face conversation in the
classroom and technology glitches may also add to faculty workload.
Web-enhanced courses
A special blend of traditional and online education

May be either of the two:
A course may be primarily online, but students may be asked to come to classes or
seminars on campus two to three times during the semester.
A course may be primarily on-campus, but some work is done online throughout the
semester.
New ways of using the Internet or telecommunications for education are still evolving. It is
important for educators to keep abreast of changing technology and its potential for
learning purposes.

Current patron
Presently, most distance education online is taking place in colleges and universities. They are producing courses for undergraduates and graduate students, with special emphasis on BSN to RN programs and advance practice graduate programs.
Many universities and for profit companies are also developing continuing education courses for nurses. A quick search of the Internet will reveal myriad courses for professional development in many specialties.