Distance Learning Newsletter

Introduction
Have you ever wondered about taking distance learning classes? For anyone that doesnt know, distance learning classes are taught online, and teachers use webcams, computers, and other systems to communicate with you online. You might think its a struggle, which it can be, but here we will give you an overview about the history, the curriculum, how technology has made distance learning possible, advantages, disadvantages, and the challenges of distance learning. This newsletter should, ultimately, help you decide whether taking a distance learning class would be for you. and the number ... is expected to soar to 11.6 million students by the year 2000. 1,218 fouryear colleges and universities-about 55% of the totaloffered distance learning in 1996 ... In addition, nine institutions currently offer degree programs entirely at a distance. These include Boise State University, New York institute of Technology, Rochester Institute of Technology, and the University of Maryland (Goldberg, 1998:4). In his article Caruth states, Online education is a descendent of and has a shared history with correspondence learning. The history of Distance learning dates all the way back to the 1870s. One contributor to Distance learning was Anna Eliot Ticknor, who in 1873 founded the Society to Encourage Studies at Home. Her father was George Ticknor, who was a professor at Harvard University, and founder of the Boston public Library. Her father was very influenced by education, and a lot of his interests were passed down to his daughter, one being the Boston Library. Anna quickly took the advantage of Library and its massive selection of books to use for her Society of Encourage Studies at Home. Caruth writes, In addition Anna Ticknor, on her mother's side, had influential connections. Her cousin Charles William Eliot, became president of Harvard University in 1869, oversaw enormous university and higher educational changes. Another cousin, Samuel Eliot, then president of Trinity College from 1860 to 1864, and afterwards principal of the Girls' High and Normal School in Boston from 1872 to 1876, was the chairman of the Society for all its years of existence (Bergman, 2001).

History
In 1993, 1.3 million students took one of more distance learning courses ...

Distance Learning Newsletter

Annas Society of Encouraged Studies at Home was one of the first steps taken towards distance education. Elizabeth Cary Agassiz, the co-founder and first president of Radcliffe College, referred to the society as the "silent university" (Bergman, 2001, p. 48). Her society was the first real example of correspondence learning. Though they lacked technology, Anna conducted the society through the use of mail. The society was aimed more towards women and served over seven thousand women. To become enrolled in the society, the applicants had to request information. Once they became accepted they would choose an area of study, which included: English, History, Science, French, German, or Art. This process took place by having the educators mail the syllabi to the students, who in return were responsible to mail the completed assignments back to the educators. A benefit for women whose time was limited due to domestic obligations was that all learning was self-paced (Bergman, 2001). In order for the educations to be able to examine how well the students were learning, they were required to submit memory notes to the instructors. These memory notes as Ticknor referred to them as, were used to base their memories with vivid anecdotes. Through the use of the memory notes, Ticknor thought it would be an easier way for both the student and educator to assess how well the student had retained what was read. It provided positive feedback, as for the woman who had domestic chores, to self-pace themselves. As for grading, exams were given but did not provide the students back with their results. The exams were only used for evaluating the effectiveness of the instruction. These exams are much like the ones given in todays distance learning classes. They were taken home in a sealed envelope until the student was ready to complete it. Caruth writes: The Society to Encourage Studies at Home enrolled over seven thousand women, in spite of the fact that the Society was not widely publicized. Furthermore, it was founded during an emerging trend toward coeducation and the establishment of institutions of higher education for women in the United States. Student recruitment efforts basically ignored class and geographical boundaries of students. Ticknor recruited educated and affluent friends, however, to pledge as volunteer correspondents to provide to women what men had previously refused

Distance Learning Newsletter

them (Bergman, 2001). The purpose of this society was to help transform the lives of woman. It provided them with the option to educate themselves from their homes. of assignments that must be completed for the course. With the idea of having a camera and screen in the room giving access to the classroom not even thought of at the time, students were basically on their own. When an article or book was needed to write a paper, they had to order it from the school library and wait for it to come in. Not only was distance learning a challenge back in the day, but college in general was a challenge compared to the luxuries of technology that we have access today. Not only can we be a part of the classroom via video chat, but we can contact other students in the class as well as out professor whenever needed with the click of a few buttons. If you have a question when youre at home working on an assignment, pull out your phone and within minutes your question is answered. Need a scholarly article? Within the click of a button, you have access to millions of articles on your topic. Many to choose from, all at your fingertips thanks to technology. Theda explained how all assignments were done on paper, which is a lot different from today. Today, everything we turn in is solely computer based, and uploaded via Springboard. As of today, I have never handed either of my professors a single piece of paper. Theda also mentioned that she had found a few friends who were also taking the same courses she was. This was very convenient because they would help each other out when they got stuck, since communication with her professor was very inconvenient. However, If needed, they were able to contact their professor via telephone, where the lecturer could attempt to help them over the phone. This is a lot different from today because as I mentioned before, we can easily text, email, or contact our professors and classmates with our questions with only the touch of a few buttons. Theda had been taking 5 subjects of distance learning classes all at once, making it very stressful at times, but since she had all her assignments, she was

How have technologica l advancemen ts improved distance learning?

Distance Learning has been around for a long time, however, distance learning wasnt as easy back in the day. Theda Thomas, a past distance learning student in 1980 tells her story in her article, Reflections of a Distance Learning Student. She explained that when she signed up for the class, she was given the textbooks she would need and a list

Distance Learning Newsletter

able to work ahead so that she would never get behind. Later on, in the early 2000s, Theda began taking distance learning classes again. She conferred that the technology advancements made with the 1980s and the 2000s were extensive, not only making distance learning easier on the student but also the professor. The ability for the students to be a part of the classroom via video chat made it much easier for the students in off sites to learn and participate better. Other advancements in technology allowed computer based testing for off site students. Students are able to take their exams without having to go to the main site, which is very convenient for the student. Students are often given two chances at each computer based assessment, considering computer based assessment is proven to be far more challenging than standard paper exams. Computer based testing takes a little while to get used to at first, however it becomes easier once you are used to it. Computer based assessments are generally composed of a series of multiple choice questions to test your comprehension of the material learned in class. With the advancements in technology over the past 20 some years, schooling has been made a lot easier and efficient, opening up many opportunities for college students. Technology has made learning much more convenient for students who live a busy lifestyle of school, work and a social life. Technology gives students more freedom to get their work done when they have time, even if that means at 2:30 in the morning. Thanks to Springboard, we can lay in bed in our pajamas to take a quiz if we really wanted to. We can turn in our assignments at anytime, whether its 10:45 in the morning or 8:30 at night the dropbox is open to turn your work in within its due date. Below is a chart of Thedas Experiences over the years of Distance Learning. She compares the social organization of learning, formats of learning materials, the role of the instructor, and the feedback methods of the instructor from a 19821983 prospective and a 2007-2008 prospective.

Below is a chart comparing communication,

available support and places for study from a 1982-1983 perspective and a 2007-2008 perspective.

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The Learning and Curriculum Strategies
Many aspects are taken into account when constructing the best possible Distance Learning environment, the faculty, financial expenses, curriculum, and technology. This quote sums up Distance Learning and technology, Almost every new media has touched the educational system in some way but distance learning is a reinvented method of education, rather than a new one (Harper, 2004). This new type of education still has to adhere to the students, because if they do not like or feel that the technology is relevant in their learning process, they will not take advantage of it. The teacher of a Distance Learning classroom has a lot of power to take the education in his or hers preferred path. Perfectly said in The University of Southern Californias What works in distance learning: Guidelines. The high levels of learner control afforded by distance learning media and contexts are often described as one of the potential advantages of distance learning. Yet the evidence from a great variety of studies examining different learners, learning tasks, and settings suggests that as the extent of learner control over various aspects of instruction increases, learning may decrease. This seems to be the case even when learners are assigned to their preferred level of control over instructional presentations. Putting this in to context this advantage of advanced control might not always be an advantage, students like to be in control and learn how they like and in a Distance Learning environment thats not always possible. Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning are often debated when discussing DL and its strategies. Synchronous classrooms are that in which the teacher and student are communicating in real time. This allows for deeper interactions between teacher and student. However these are also often group based learning and set at a specific time this, depending on the needs of the program, could be problematic. Asynchronous is more individually oriented towards each student. This approach puts the material out to the student and the student does the material when and where is most convenient. Probably the best route would be combining the two to make a very whole experience. Giving the student some flexibility yet have the synchronous elements of a set meeting time where you can go further into the material. As said by Slveig Jakobsdttir, Sigurjn Myrdal, Haukur gstsson & Nicholas A. Kearneys

Distance Learning Newsletter

article On-Line Distance Learning Environment and Tools to Create It: Design Based on Theory and Practice the ARCS model predicts that learners will be motivated with learning materials that hold their attention, that they feel are relevant, that confidence and from which they derive satisfaction (Jakobsdttir. 1995). schools and universities. Distance learning can benefit the educational world by providing a larger range of students, and allowing involvement from individuals who do not live near the campus (Abarashi 2011). Distance learning can provide a wider range opportunity for teaching because it will connect students from multiple schools. In the regular education classroom there is a lack of this since you are face to face with the students. This way, in a university setting, the distance learning class can be linked to outside students/classrooms. Anot her advantage that distance learning has for education is allowing students to remain at home and still be taught. This also means that students can still have the opportunity to work and still have online courses without the travel to a campus. The costly investment of Distance Learning should be taken into account when thinking about the best strategy. With the rapid evolution of technology making a huge investment now might mean losing opportunities later. The biggest deciding factor of the decision should be what the curriculum needs, adapting technology to a certain curriculum, rather than adapting curriculum to a fixed technology.

Positive aspects of Distance Learning

There are both positive outcomes and negative side effects when it comes to distance learning as a whole. This is a new style of teaching and seems appropriate for the 21st century. As we grow through the years we are relying more and more on technology. Technology is also being brought into classrooms more and more today. You will mostly see the distance learning teaching style in high

Challenges and Disadvantag es of Distance Learning

There are some challenges when it comes to online distance learning. The costs to run distance learning classes are extremely high; its hard to grasp a single policy and procedure as whole. In the article The International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning says, In general, ODL planning is focused on budget and staffing issues and not on the critical pedagogical issues

Distance Learning Newsletter

of ODL. However, ODL is so much more than just a teaching mode or method; it is a distinct and coherent field of education which is focused on new delivery methods with a pedagogical philosophy (Levy, 2003). Online distance learning is becoming more and more popular amongst colleges and universities, and with that you need to become more flexible, and find methods of teaching that will work. Traditional methods might not be beneficial moving in a different direction of learning. The initial cost of running distance learning classes is very high. Also, technology is constantly changing, so that means changing computers, systems, and databases. The IRRDL article states, The costs are initially high, and with everchanging technology, it could end up costing more than face-to-face teaching. They also state, Similarly, electronic or technology-enhanced courses do not necessitate more facilities, but institutions will incur capital outlays such as computer hardware and software and their updating and maintenance, additional personnel costs such as webmaster, instructional designers, course administrators, and e-tutors, and computer assistance to students. The most important aspect is the quality of education and the threat of dishonesty in technologically advanced learning environments (Lezberg, 2003). Universities probably have to consider if the program is going to worth it. Also, a lot of colleges and universities try to be competitive with offering online distance learning classes, but offering distance learning classes for financial reasons is not a good reason at all. The IRRDL writes, In many cases these institutions rush to provide technology-enhanced learning or ODL, which is in contrast with their initial goals and strategies, in an effort to stay competitive in the field or for financial reasons. Financial reasons are usually the wrong reasons for implementing ODL or technologyadvanced learning. Colleges should instead look at the benefits of what distance learning classes could offer to students and the university as well. Learning should be the ultimate goal. Another challenge in distance learning is agreeing on the policies and procedures that is should abide by. IRRODL writes, The greatest challenge for education institutions in moving towards ODL is to adopt a singular vision, policies, and procedures for ODL implementation. In general, ODL planning is focused on budget and staffing issues and not on the critical pedagogical issues of ODL. However, ODL is so much more than just a teaching mode or method; it is a distinct and coherent field of education which is focused on new delivery methods with a pedagogical philosophy (Levy, 2003). Online distance learning brings teaching to a new level. With the expansion of the

Distance Learning Newsletter

classroom, brings new teaching methods. Other disadvantages include not being able to see your professor. Also, if you fall behind is classwork, it might make it difficult to catch up with your school work. According to the Tribal College Journal of American Indian Higher Education: Just as there are advantages to teaching classes online, there are also disadvantages. While enrolled in an online course, students do not have many one-onone meetings with their instructors. In addition, some students may feel left behind and thus not perform as they should. This is a major disadvantage, but it can be addressed. At OLC, for example, instructors are available to their students by email, phone (this includes texting), and in person when needed. This mitigates the level of isolation, yet increases communication between students and instructors using technology. Even though this is a disadvantage, there are ways to turn it into a positive one. At most colleges there are other ways of communication, thanks to technology. Also, a perfect example of turning a disadvantage into a positive one, at The University of Akron, a professor named Mr. Harrell visits his distance learning classes. In order for you to do well in your classes, you definitely need to study, as you would any class. Tribal College Journal of American Indian Higher Education writes: In order for students to excel in their online courses, they must have motivation and self-discipline. Some students, but not all, procrastinate in working on their assignments and fall behind. When this happens more than one time, students sometimes give up on the course altogether. Another possible hurdle for online education is that it requires access to the Internet. If students lack access at home or at a nearby library, it can affect their participation in the course and their ability to access course materials. Even if students do have the Internet at home, they might encounter computer or Internet glitches. Being in distance learning classes might be more of struggle than traditional taught classes, but as long as you are persistent in your school work it should make your goals achievable. I believe the difficulties of distance learning classes are the

Distance Learning Newsletter

same difficulties that any college student struggles with. Experiencing distance learning classes personally, I can see the disadvantages of distance learning. Not being able to see your professor be a struggle. Also, you are your own motivator. You have to be diligent in your school work to make sure you do not get behind. However, as long as you stay focused, you should be able to overcome those obstacles.

What current students are saying about distance learning?

Distance Learning is almost like being in a regular class. You do have to make sure you keep up with your assignments, but you have to do that in every class. Janaei Haney

Conclusion
As you can see there are many aspects to distance learning. However, if you are thinking of taking a distance learning class, it will take more selfmotivation and determination to succeed than in a regular classroom setting. Hopefully this article has prepared you for what distance learning is like, and you can make a decision to see if distance learning will be appropriate for you.