Content
• Video streaming
• virtual library
• textbooks
• online articles
• e-books
Communication
• email
• discussion boards
• class cafe
Collaboration
• learning communities
• wikis
• blogs
Durrington, Berryhill, Swafford (2006) states that in the past decade distance education has grown from a program which a few institutions offered to a universal option which students have come to expect. As institutions offer this, they must implement ways to incorporate content, communication and collaboration. McCroskey and Anderson (1976) as well as Ritchie and Newby (1989) found research that indicates that students in distance learning programs have more positive attitudes and achieve higher levels of performance when there is a high level of interaction.
In a distance learning program, content can be supplies through textbooks, links to the institution library, textbooks and e-books, video streaming and other online resources. Learners can communicate with classmates and instructors via email, discussion boards and class cafes. Other modes of communication can include Skype and video conferencing. Collaboration can occur among classmates through learning communities, wikis, and blogs. When a distance learning program implements strategies to focus on content, communication and collaboration, both learners and instructors have a positive experience.
Durrington, V. A., Berryhill, A., & Swafford, J. (2006). Strategies for enhancing student interactivity in an online environment. College Teaching, 54(1), 190−193.
McCroskey, J., and J. Anderson. 1976. The relationship between communication apprehension and academic achievement among college students. Human Communication Research, no. 3:73–81.
Ritchie, H., and T. J. Newby. 1989. Classroom lecture/discussion vs. live televised instruction: A comparison of effects on student performance, attitude. American Journal of Distance Education 3 (3): 8–17.
Distance learning via the Internet is one of the fastest growth areas of education. In distance learning, the modes of communication include email, website forums, chat rooms, Skype and internet conferencing. Their availability helps to increase interaction between instructor and student, as well as interaction among students. Interaction is important in a learning environment. It can enhance learning and promote individual growth. Online learning is becoming a mainstream delivery method in education. In any course of learning, good communication between teacher and students and between students is important. When you learn online there can be one-to-one communication between you and your teachers by email about work you are completing.
ReplyDeleteBeth,
ReplyDeleteOne collaboration tool that we have not used is the virtual community. I think it would be awesome to collaborate as an avatar in a virtual world. I bet it would be time consuming. I can see myself getting over invovled and spending a lot of time there. One day I do want to check it out!