History

The history of distance education is extensive and rich of resolves for present and future barriers. Some previous barriers have been resolved to the extend that prior attempts to educate in this non-traditional manner can experience successes when used appropriately for future usage. All prior attempts should not be abandoned, but merely use the same method in a cost effective manner and when it is appropriate; therefore the future of distance education is in the utilization of all prior attempts when it is cost effective to do so and in the areas it is required.

The reading mentioned engineering as a subject matter that is slow to utilize distance education in an effective way due to hands on optical. Although televising demonstrations may be expensive, the initial cost can be off set through the filming of demonstrations so students can review various techniques as many times as needed to grasp essentials components each time it is required. In the instance of engineering, televised demonstrations will be helpful is some situations when hands on demonstrations are key in teaching.

What can you do to maximize your learning in an online course?

A good educator must first accomplish, within the same timeframe, what they are expecting their students to master. The whole purpose of an assignment is to determine if the material was understood and are the students able to process the new information and apply it in the various expected scenarios at a high success rate. Over taxing students with assignment after assignment with a low success rate equals wasted time on the part of the instructor and students.

Demonstrating expectations then provide assignments that will allow students to practice will permit students to perfect what is taught. This information should be able to be transformed in a real world setting.

Initial Perceptions of Distance Learning

I was invited to a video conference years ago. I refuse to tell how long ago, because I would be telling my age, and I don’t want to do that. At the time it was the latest in technology and cutting edge. There was excitement in the air, and everyone was looking forward to see something big. The room was large with three or four special made tables with microphones and gadgets about three feet apart. Each table wrap around the room in the shape of the letter “C” one behind the next. Behind the last table seating for a hundred spectators began wrapping around the room. There was no outside lighting coming into the room and the walls were made of brick. The ambiance of the room was plush.

This setting was when my intrigue for distance learning began. My initial perception of distance learning was that of fascination. It enticed me to learn. How is it done? What does it cost? How can it be applied to my life and profession? What are the benefits of its usage? Distance learning in some form or another began my desire to research technology regardless of difficulty. Distance learning is for me a research project that will never end.

Greeting

Hello,
My name is Chardel and I am a Technology & Education Major. I initially took this course to perfect my skills in teaching technology. I have been researching distance learning for ten years or more, and my educational journey has first been exigent and now those challenges are both rewarding and gratifying. The difficult aspects of this journey has encouraged and prepared me to be a better researcher and educator. I am looking forward to our interactions and discoveries.

Chardel

Hello,

My name is Chardel.