Reflections on Distance Learning

After reading Chapter 7 this week, several things jump out at me. The questions under making the case for technology integration were very thought provoking. Durden (2001) said that "no existing form of distance learning can similarly affirm students as individuals and also force them to acknowledge the idea of others...Disenfranchised students, as much as their affluent and advantaged peers, deserve a chance at a residential, liberal education, not an unproven alternative." Durden concerns are that distance learning can not take the place of face to face education. While I agree it can not take the place of actual meetings and the physical contact with peers and teachers, I have to disagree with Durden on one aspect he stated. I believe with the right instructor in some cases and/or a self, motivated student, the acquisition of knowledge can be every bit as powerful and engaging as sitting in a physical classroom. Example of distance learning activities as cited in our text are : student research, online classroom materials such as tutorials, web-based lessons, and virtual courses and programs. There are also many characteristics that allow distance learning to enhance and support learning. One that I found particularly important in the top ten list on page 221, was #10- increased interaction among students and between students and teachers. Yes, you read that correctly. Many educators and students feel that they actually communicate more in distance courses than in face to face classes. I found that interesting and true in my case. The way our course is set up, we have both individual and group work. Dr. Wang has placed us in groups to collaborate our findings and help each other. This has promoted communication and cohesiveness I am not sure we would have otherwise in just a quick 1-2 hour class meeting where material is presented and the individual work is done outside of class.
Distance learning is changing the way teachers teach and is reforming the way we think about learning. I think is the student is motivated and ready for the task, distance learning is a wonderful tool