Application: Blog-Selecting Distance Learning Technologies
From the three examples given, I have chosen Example 3: Asynchronous Training.
I have identified two distance learning technologies I think will provide the best solution for the given challenge. These are Podcasts and Blogs.
I have used Podcasts as my method of delivery needs to be available to all shifts at the plant. Seeing that the biodiesel manufacturing plant is very technological, I have chosen to use the audio-only format on the plant itself as the best solution to present my Asynchronous Training. In this way, workers all over the plant can hear the training course and also workers in all shifts can have the same audio-only format given to them. They could also have the audio-with images ones given to them on their iPods if they are so technically inclined.
From the multimedia program on “The Technology of Distance Education*, I have the supporting document on Podcasts that states that one of the advantages of using Podcasts is that it can be easily downloaded from the internet and also it would allow students to take responsibility for their own learning. I can then save it in an mp3 format and upload the same to a Web server. In this case, it would be to www.blogger.com which offers free podcast hosting services which I am currently using. They can either go to my blog and/or subscribe to my rss feed document which would allow them to access my podcast.
One the external sources that I have used to give me some of this information is http://www.det.wa.edi.au/education/cmis/eval/curriculum/ict/podcasts/ . I also checked this other website for safety issues in biodiesel manufacturing plants.
I found this other website www.aidic.it/CISAP4/webpapers/106Salzano.pdf that would allow me to use this knowledge to make my presentation most effective as the production process can be dangerous “as methanol and other flammable reactants such as sodium methylate can leave the plants vulnerable to fire and explosion if not properly engineered and operated” even though Biodiesel is a safe substance. These are only some of the issues that should be addressed in modules in the training program.
I would use the Linear programmed instructional model to deliver my content in chunks which would involve step-by step processes using the podcasts. Students would also be given a self-test and if successful move on to the next chunk or block of information.
Using these sources would definitely serve the problem of poor safety record in the biodiesel manufacturing plant, illustrating best practices on how to safely operate the many pieces of heavy machinery on the plant. By doing these things, the shift supervisors would be satisfied that the employees are engaged and can demonstrate their learning from the modules.
References
www.aidic.it/CISAP4/webpapers/106Salzan
http://www.det.wa.edi.au/education/cmis/eval/curriculum/ict/podcasts/
Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2009). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (4th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Defining Distance Learning
From the Distance Learning Training Continuum 1833-2000 and also from my readings and video, I have observed and feel that the definition of distance learning is always changing. Dr Simonson in his video stated that distance education is synonymous with virtual education, e-learning, distance learning, distance teaching and even distance education.
The definition of distance learning is always changing because of the technological changes that have been made since the 19th century. This basically is what has driven the change. I have noted that different forms of distance learning have occurred since that time to currently. For instance there were correspondence courses by mail, telegraphy, cable network, video tapes, video, USENET and more recently thinks like Web 2 technology and so on.
My personal definition and observations of distance learning before starting this course would have been like students studying abroad. However, my personal observation in my earlier time would have been like doing a correspondence course through the mail. I did a course like this when I was trying to pass an exam we had to take overseas. More recently however, my definition of distance learning would have been more like an online course.
My revised definition of distance learning is that it is institutionally based following either a traditionally or non- traditionally educational school or college Here asynchronous and synchronous communications are being used to impart learning and “connect learners, resources, and instructiors together. It is definitely not students studying abroad.
My vision for the future of distance learning as it continues on a path of evolution and change is that as technology increases, more definitions of learning will come to play but I think that we are on the right track to use distance education in all universities and also even in our k-12 schools. Even though there is hesitation to use distance learning for those students in k-2 classes, studies have shown that in both higher education and k-12 environments that there is no difference between learners learning better between distance education studies and in higher education and k-12 students. These and other concerns and benefits seem to be "nearing its end". Distance learning especially with technology on the increase and students being so technology literate, distance learning is increasing and has a high potential rate of increasing in the future.
References
Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2009). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (4th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.
Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web (Part 1: Training and development). TechTrends, 52(3), 70–75..
Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web (Part 2: Higher education). TechTrends, 52(4), 66–70.
Huett, J., Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Coleman, C. (2008). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web (Part 3: K12). TechTrends, 52(5), 63–67..
From the Distance Learning Training Continuum 1833-2000 and also from my readings and video, I have observed and feel that the definition of distance learning is always changing. Dr Simonson in his video stated that distance education is synonymous with virtual education, e-learning, distance learning, distance teaching and even distance education.
The definition of distance learning is always changing because of the technological changes that have been made since the 19th century. This basically is what has driven the change. I have noted that different forms of distance learning have occurred since that time to currently. For instance there were correspondence courses by mail, telegraphy, cable network, video tapes, video, USENET and more recently thinks like Web 2 technology and so on.
My personal definition and observations of distance learning before starting this course would have been like students studying abroad. However, my personal observation in my earlier time would have been like doing a correspondence course through the mail. I did a course like this when I was trying to pass an exam we had to take overseas. More recently however, my definition of distance learning would have been more like an online course.
My revised definition of distance learning is that it is institutionally based following either a traditionally or non- traditionally educational school or college Here asynchronous and synchronous communications are being used to impart learning and “connect learners, resources, and instructiors together. It is definitely not students studying abroad.
My vision for the future of distance learning as it continues on a path of evolution and change is that as technology increases, more definitions of learning will come to play but I think that we are on the right track to use distance education in all universities and also even in our k-12 schools. Even though there is hesitation to use distance learning for those students in k-2 classes, studies have shown that in both higher education and k-12 environments that there is no difference between learners learning better between distance education studies and in higher education and k-12 students. These and other concerns and benefits seem to be "nearing its end". Distance learning especially with technology on the increase and students being so technology literate, distance learning is increasing and has a high potential rate of increasing in the future.
References
Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2009). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (4th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.
Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web (Part 1: Training and development). TechTrends, 52(3), 70–75..
Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web (Part 2: Higher education). TechTrends, 52(4), 66–70.
Huett, J., Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Coleman, C. (2008). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web (Part 3: K12). TechTrends, 52(5), 63–67..
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