The element I chose was communication.
How has this element evolved?
In the way this element has evolved is that technology has evolved. Almost every home in America has the internet and a computer. If you don't have internet and computer most libraries have internet access and computers. Five years ago, if you would have told me that I would have earned my Masters degree online, I would have told you that you were crazy, but I have a Masters Diploma to prove that it can be done. There are more and more adult learners earning degrees online and not just adult learners, but my son who is enrolled at ETSU in Johnson City, TN is not only taking traditional courses but also online courses. Little by little, this small insignificant world wide web has opened new doors to not only information but to businesses, colleges and to education for all types of learners.
What online tools are available today to facilitate these interactions among learners?
One of the major tools that are available today to facilitate the interactions are the internet. The second I would say would be Skype. But not all learners use Skype as F2F learning is ot necessary and some people would rather not have it. Distance is no longer an issue as I can sit in my living room in my pj's and work on a paper, talk with a classmate, or email my professor. My conversations can be with a global group, not just some people in my classroom. I can discuss technology with a classmate from India and with someone from South America at the same time. This type of learning is not only leaning towards education, the corporate world is taking hold also. The one thing that is important is that the learner needs to feel comfortable and for some people this is fine. Myself, I enjoy the online community as it lets me meet some new and interesting friends I may have never met had I not been taking online classes.
I agree. Five years ago I started teaching online and I thought it was a crazy new frontier that may or may not last. Obviously it has lasted, improved, and continues to offer more choices for a diverse population of students.
ReplyDeleteYou mention Skype as part of the communication effect. How do you think Skype has change synchronous conversations? Does this tool make communication not only easier but almost an after thought since so many use it?
Erica
Kim
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that distance education has changed over the years. I always wanted to complete my masters, but I knew that I could not drive the long distances to attain it. So the only way was to wait until the right time came. One day I got a letter from Walden and I was so happy to realize that they were offering the program I wanted and it was online. This changed my life. I now have a Masters Degree after 20 years of teaching.
You did bring up a point that I disagree with, you stated that almost all homes in America has a internet and a computer. This is not true in the area I teach in. I would say that less than half of our students have internet in their home. So the only way they get to get online is in school. Yes we do have a library in our town, but it is very small and yes our library has internet, but most of the time our students can not get to the library, due to living an hour away. So what do we do about the students who do not have a computer or internet in their homes?
Response to Erica
ReplyDeleteBy using Skype, I believe not only does it help the distance learner, but it can help with the body language and for instructors or students who need that extra part of school of seeing who they are talking with or putting a face with a name, this can help tremendously.
Response to Lou Ann
ReplyDeleteLou Ann, you bring up a valid point about the internet access. I know that in our district, parents may be on welfare, food stamps, etc..., but they have a computer and internet. If they don't have internet, they have a smart phone that can access the internet. Also, our library is right in the middle of town and has about 25 computers with internet capability.
But with your situation, I do not have an answer. Maybe there could be some type of grant you could write or maybe some of the local businesses could help or begin a fund that students could check out computers from school and have cards that can help them access the internet at home. Such as those cards from ATT or Verizon.