George Dufour, Abbey Carneal, Emily Dunkler, Mark Greathouse Mr.

Harrell English Composition 1 27 November 2013 The Ins and Outs of Distance Learning Distance learning is a fairly new idea to class rooms. Although it has been used for many decades now, many colleges just now discovered it and started using it. So what exactly is it? Distance learning involves students, either college students, that live too far away to travel to the college campus every day, or high school students, who go to a class room where they sit in on a college class and attend a college class over a video feed between their school and the main campus. With the high school distance learning, post-secondary often times is the reason for the distance option to be necessary. Often times multiple schools are involved in the feed. Distance learning is fairly different than traditional face-to-face learning, but students have been seen to be successful in both classroom forms, just depending on what the student is most comfortable with. When teaching distance learning its very important that the instructor involves the students at every site and not just the students at the site. Sometimes the instructors forget that there are students at other sites and just converse with the students that are at their home site. In this portion of the text, the reader will learn about the disadvantages and advantages to distance learning and how instructors should teach it in order for their students to get the best education out of it. We will first cover the importance of teaching distance education, and how the technologies we have today let us use distance learning (DL) today. When it comes to distance

education, its very important that the instructor can teach the students with very fine details because the teacher cant physically be there to help the student one on one necessarily. There are virtually two different types of distance education, asynchronous and synchronous. Asynchronous distance education means that the students listen to the teacher give the instructions and do not communicate at the same time, but wait until after the teacher has given the instructions then talk. And, synchronous which is when the instructor and the students communicate at the same time in real time. Some of the common asynchronous technologies that are used are, videotape, broadcast, web based videos; audiotape, radio, web based tutorials; and CD-Rom, email. Some of the synchronous technologies used are, videoconferencing, audio conferencing, real time computer conferencing, and online discussion (Nagar 329). It is very important for teachers to make sure they have control of the classroom because this technology isnt always functioning the way the faculty wants it to. When this happens trained personnel jump in and help fix it: Not only must faculty members be content experts, they must also be comfortable with using the equipment to convey their expert knowledge. Faculty must receive training on the equipment and must coordinate the presentation of lecture and instructional aides with specialized personnel supporting the interactive TV classroom. These specialized, technical staff members operate cameras, monitor, and adjust images and sound levels, and trouble shoot the sending of signals between locations. When technical glitches arise, faculty must be willing to relinquish control of the classroom and wait for technical staff to troubleshoot the issues. (Horvath 41)

Next we are going to look at the strengths and weaknesses of the distance learning program. In the chart below are listed pros and cons of distance education depending on the students point of view, teachers point of view, use of technology, and the curriculum and the DE environment (Nagar 330-2):

It is very important that the instructor is highly trained and knows how to convey their knowledge over the internet, video conferencing, etc. with the technology ever changing in our society it has enabled us to learn in a variety of ways all at the same time. If someones schedule is really hectic it still enables that person to get a good education whether they are in high school or college. This type of education also offers a lower budget; this is especially good news for those who are seeking a high level education without having to spend a large sum of money to get it. According to Nagar: In order to implement a good distance education experience, one must consider the many aspects of distance education. The students needs must be carefully met and balanced with the curriculum and the environment in which they learn it. The teacher must serve as a supportive and motivating element that will ensure effectiveness of the distance learning module. Indisputably, we can list many advantages as well as drawbacks of distance education, however, appropriately motivated participants will perhaps take full advantage of the distance education and try to overcome or avoid its weaknesses (333). There are many strengths and weaknesses with distance education. But, if there is a student who is willing to go that extra mile in order to receive a good education through this program, then that student shouldnt have to worry about the weaknesses affecting their learning experience. Post-secondary classes taken via distance learning can be very convenient for high school students who may not have their drivers license yet, so they cannot take post-secondary classes on campus because of the far drive, and getting the chance to take college classes for practically free can be convenient for anyone worried about how much college is going to cost. In fact, tuition at the University of Akron itself is 9,734 dollars and 40 cents per year for an Ohio resident (Uakron.edu). This adds up to a total of 38,937 dollars and sixty cents for a bachelors

degree, and this is for classes only; this cost does not include books or any other class room supplies, housing, meals, and transportation. Over four years, a student could have costs well into the 50,000 dollars. This cost is still minimal compared to other colleges, but a large amount of money is being saved, even if only a few classes are taken via distance learning. For many high school students, this seems like the perfect solution to any kind of monetary problems, or distance problems with college. Plus post-secondary allows students to get ahead in their college career while still getting the credits needed to graduate high school. The atmosphere in a distance learning class setting is very different from a normal high school classroom. One of the most notable differences is that the distance students do not have the teacher physically in the room with them. This is quite the change from how the students had been taught previously, with a teacher directly in the room with them, teaching them face-to-face. As seen in the picture to the right, the students watch the class via the conference software. The software works in the form of a two- way conversation, very similarly to Skype. This will cause a less personal learning style and learning will be based primarily on technology. The students will rarely, if at all, meet their professors face-to-face. This causes an impersonal relationship between student and teacher normally because they rarely see them outside of the screen that they watch. Another difference is that the classes may be very different from the classes that they may have already taken. This can be both good and bad. On the plus side, as stated in Whats the Difference between Distance Learning and American Public Schools, author John Tipton writes, Today, distance learning and e-learning have changed the way school districts determine

class schedules, making many more opportunities available to students (N.P.). Enabling students to take distance learning helps them to take classes that their school may not have been able to supply due to monetary problems or employee shortages. Distance Learning classes are very different from regular high school classes. There are many aspects that differ and can be a difficult adjustment for the student. For example, these classes are much more difficult than traditional high school classes. These classes are classes based for students who have already gone through all of high school, and in some cases even some of college. High school students taking these classes must be at the top of their game, and willing to step up and be more responsible due to the typical nature of a college class. The material not only is harder, but the setting of college alone is much different than high school. Another difference is that almost every assignment would be internet-based. Due to the cost of mail and the convenience of the internet, it only seems logical to just post all assignments to a class website rather than to try and send every last assignment through the mail for a hefty price. This can affect the student because he or she will now have to adjust to the difference of learning not with pencil and paper, but rather on the internet. Finally, another difference is the independence a student will have. Because the students cannot talk to their professor every day face-to-face, they are forced to try to make the best of the situation and teach themselves what they may not understand. Commonly, teachers will not ask for missing assignments because that responsibility is carried over to the student because the student needs to take the responsibility to check his or her grades and to make sure that they are what the student wishes to achieve. The professors have too many classes to

teach that they cannot keep track of every students progress in the class. Therefore, this causes some distress for students who complain that their professor did not notify them that they were falling behind in class. Students will need to adjust their schedules and find more time to spend working on maintaining the best grade that they can, and less time on watching television or going out with friends or other activities. Overall, distance learning is an extremely useful tool in the aid of paying for college, preparing for college or providing students with the classes they need. However, there are many differences between the high school environment and the college environment, as seen in the table below.

These factors can affect a students choice on whether or not a distance learning class is for them. If students can handle the responsibility and changes, the rewards from these classes are extremely helpful when paying for college. However, there are many aspects that can be difficult to handle. There are many advantages and disadvantages to taking a distance learning class. There are also many advantages and disadvantages to taking a face-to-face class. As discussed earlier, distance learning is neither a blessing nor a curse. As we will discuss, English and history are classes that would be easier to take via distance learning. So which course, or courses, would be difficult, more challenging, or even impossible to take via distance learning? Mathematics would be one of those before mentioned courses. Math involves mostly face-to-face interaction. Confusing and troubling, Math needs face-to-face interaction in order to be learned successfully, and students already have a hard time understanding the topic in that sort of setting. Imagine adding in not having a teacher in the room or having a teacher at your disposal to ask questions whenever need be. College math becomes a step higher than high school math, making it a challenge to high school students to comprehend. Add in distance learning and that just makes math even harder to understand. Many things could go wrong with a distance learning set up as well, such as the video or sound feed could go out, a computer could crash, the online site to turn work in could go down, or an array of other technical difficulties. Then, at the distance site, you are bound to get those students that disrupt the whole class, making noise and causing a ruckus, making it impossible for the other students in the room to learn. Students could also easily fall behind in a distance

learning class because they are afraid to speak up and ask questions or they dont know how to contact the teacher to get help. Math involves a lot of hands on material, material that needs direct contact between student and teacher to be taught properly. A teacher nearly always has to be in the same room as the students to help guide them, or answer any questions they may have about the topic. Although distance learning offers a nice amenity for students who live too far away to travel to class or for high school students, a math class taken so far away from the teacher would be even more difficult than the far drive to campus or for a high school student to try and understand college math. College math is also much higher than regular high school math. Some high schools offer higher ranged math classes that would better prepare students for the college math courses they may be taking later on in life. However these classes arent exactly the same, nor sh ould they be. The high school classes are just a push, or a step in the right direction. The college classes are the real deal; they move at a much faster pace and cover harder material with less instruction from a teacher. If a high school student would even want to attempt to take a college math class while in highs school, they would have to be a great math student, and be willing to put in a lot of extra time for homework and studying. At The University of West Florida, a study was taken over the course of one semester. This study tracked every grade in one math class where distance learning was available, meaning there were students on and off campus in the class. The average grade for students passing the class with an A in both traditional face-to-face and distance learning were remarkably similar. Although more students signed up for the traditional form of face-to-face, the percents still

equaled out. This just proved that math could be taken as a distance learning course with the same outcome as a traditional course. Although harder, the class has a possibility. (Amin 49).

Students performance with synchronous instruction Type of Instruction Enrolled Withdrew A B C D F

Synchronous Distance

54

23

14

Face-to-Face

112

67

33

Science is another course that would be difficult to take as a distance learning course, if not impossible. For a traditional college level science class there are class four days a week, three of which are lectures and one of which a lab is held. The lectures would be no problem for a distance learning class; it would be, however, the lab where the problem occurred. For the lab, students must be present on the Universitys campus for three hours to participate in the lab. College students would just schedule around such a conflict so they dont take any courses during the time they may have a lab. High school students however, have other classes at the high school to take. Although they could do the same as schedule around the lab

that would be three plus hours of high school classes they miss out on, if you include drive time between the campuses. Other college students who live too far away from campus to drive there and are taking the course via distance learning would also run into a problem as not being able to get there, because of travel complications. Science would be a near impossible course to take as a distance learning class. College science courses are also a lot harder, just as math is. There may be courses offered at some high schools that will help prepare students for the college science experience, but nothing would be exactly the same. The material would be based for a college course, so typically it would be harder. The lab would also be more independently based, while in high school teachers guide students along and help then every step of the way. To say the least teachers baby students in high school, and in college they let them free to be independent more often than not. But there is a new invention, called the virtual physics lab or VPLab for short. According to Original article Realism in the Design Process and Credibility of a Simulation -Based Virtual Laboratory, this virtual lab acts as a real lab, which would allow Distance Learning students to be able to participate in labs that they otherwise would not be able to. These labs offer different tools, such as a calculator, ruler, and stop watch to help make the lab as real as possible. Although the VPLab is not an actual lab, it does help minimize the being a problem to stop students from taking science as a distance learning course. (Couture 43).

Sample of Different types of VPLabs

With both courses being more difficult and more advanced, those factors alone would cause high school students to be lost in a college class as such. Now both courses are possible to take via distance learning, while both offer many challenges and difficulties, they also offer many benefits. Problems such as these could easily be overcome if a student is willing to take the risk and be effective with their learning, listening, and participating. Technology has improved teaching methods, subjects, and even places for teaching. Distance learning can be a great advantage to help add to a students schedule, as long as there are classes that can be easily taken through the distance learning classroom without interfering with the other classes. History and English can be very easily taken, and even be more successful taken through distance learning instead of a traditional classroom. History is a laid-back subject. It talks about wars, the government, economics, other countries, etc. It isnt a demanding subject like science, which requires hands-on labs most of the time. John F. Lyons says:

Even though some problems can exist with teaching online, it is still possible to create an exciting, interactive, learning experience that is rewarding for both the teacher and the students. To accomplish this, a history instructor needs a large degree of technical knowledge, or at least technical help, good organizational skills, and empathy with the students who are undertaking the unique and challenging experience of an online class (448). In short, any class can be successful as long as there is a good teacher, and trying students. The only barrier that online courses encounter is that they are online and there isnt personal interaction with instructors or classmates. The unique thing about distance learning is that its technically online, but there is interaction with other students and instructors. History has an analyze and discuss theme. Topics are picked out and then they are analyzed by the class, and discussed. Classes figured out what went wrong with a battle for example, or a revolution, and then they analyze the event. This class isnt a good class to take strictly online, but through a distance learning class it could be successful. Although assignments for distance learning are generally going to be online, John F. Lyons says, Most of t he work for online classes takes place before the semester even starts as the instructor puts the exams, discussions, questions and quizzes online (449). This comes back to the idea that if you have a good history instructor, the class will be nine times out of ten successful. However, some subject can be learned without having a good instructor or guide. Yes, the course will be hard but it isnt necessary to hold discussions in some courses. English is not one of those courses, which does not require a good instructor. English has a lot of reading, and discussing, and writing and discussing. Ge Zi-Gang says:

In cyber synchronous classes, students will have a chance to interact directly with the teacher and with their peers and the teacher can also assign a lot of activities for the students to do. Many of these activities such as topic debates are not so easy to carry out asynchronously. Moreover, students will develop a sense of belonging in cyber synchronous learning but not feel isolated and out of the learning community, which is typical of an asynchronous e-learning environment (292). Ge Zi-Gang loves the idea of distance learning classes, and hates the idea of an online class. He also believes it takes a good instructor to successfully teach distance learning classes as well. English is a simple, but yet difficult course to take. Everyone in the world knows how to write, whether they write well or not, it doesnt matter; they still know how to write. People take English classes to become better writers. Without a good teacher, who discusses writing techniques and tells you information like how to cite, how to write a thesis statement, you wont become a better writer. Youll stay the same and the class you just took wasnt successful.

Good instructor

They grade assignments fair and make comments

Bad instructor

Grades unfairly and doesnt explain why

Teaches information correctly

Gives enough time for projects and papers

Gives out false information

Favors students unfairly

Willing to answer questions Starts and participates in discussions

Stays on topic during class

Doesnt have answers to questions

Gets off topic easily

Gives a syllabus and schedule

Lectures the whole class and doesnt make material interesting

Doesnt explain what the course will be covering

Explains assignments and what is expected

Good, helpful role model.

Gives assignments with no instruction

A bad example for students

Below is a table that has qualities of a good instructor, and qualities of having a bad instructor. This table is very generic and can be applied to almost every subject. The teacher ultimately comes down to whether or not the course will be successful. Typically English and history classes have discussions, and that it is easy to discuss through distance learning. It gives the students time to mull over what they want to say, and because they arent face to face with their peers, less pressure to look cool by not asking questions or giving good points or facts. As long as there arent hands on activities for a course, distance learning is a solid way to have fun in class, but still learn new things. Distance learning has all sorts of advantages and disadvantages. Taking distance learning through college at high schools can be less stressful and prepare students for taking courses on campus. There are certain courses that are terrible to take through distance learning, and some that are better to take distance learning. Although this way of taking college requires more

attention and training from the instructors, as a result it connects students and instructors personally.

Work Cited Amin, Raid and Kuiyuan Li. Should Graduate Mathematics Courses Be Taught Fully Online? The Electronic Journal of Mathematics and Technology 4.1 (2010): 47-56. Web. 10 November, 2013. Couture, M. Original article Realism in the design process and credibility of a simulation-based virtual laboratory. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning 20.1 (2004): 40-9. Web. 19 November 2013. Horvath, Violet E, and Crystal S. Mills. "The Challenges for Faculty Using Interactive Television in Distance Education." Journal of Technology in Human Services 29.1 (2011): 33-48. Web. 7 November 2013. Lyons, John F. Teaching U.S. History Online: Problems and Prospects. History Teacher 37.4 (2004): 447-56. Web. 19 November 2013. M, Rose. "Distance Learning: How to Work and Study at the Same Time" Distance Learning: How to Work and Study at the Same Time (2007): N.P. Web. 14 November 2013. Nagar, Surender. "Comparison of Major Advantages and Shortcomings of Distance Education." International Journal of Educational Administration 2.2 (2010): 329-33. Web. 7 November 2013. Tipton, John. "What's The Difference Between Distance Learning And American Public Schools?" What's The Difference Between Distance Learning And American Public Schools? (2007): N.P. Web. 10 November 2013. Zi-Gang, Ge. Cyber Asynchronous Versus Blended Cyber Approach in Distance English Learning. Journal of Education Technology and Society 15.2 (2012): 286-91. Web. 17 November 2013.