Selecting Distance Learning Technologies

Scenario - Asynchronous Training

In an effort to improve its poor safety record, a biodiesel manufacturing plant needs a series of safety training modules. These stand-alone modules must illustrate best practices on how to safely operate the many pieces of heavy machinery on the plant floor. The modules should involve and the method of delivery needs to be available to all shifts at the plant. As well, the shift supervisors want to be sure the employees are engaged and can demonstrate their learning from the modules.

Recommendation

I think the most effective distance learning technology for this scenario is a Blog with embedded Podcasts. Chickering and Ehrmann (1996) as cited in Beldarrain (2006) provide seven principles for implementing new technologies in distance education programs. They recommend that regardless of delivery method, the technology chosen should be able to:

1. Encourage contact between students and faculty.

2. Develop reciprocity and cooperation among students.

3. Use active learning techniques.

4. Give prompt feedback.

5. Emphasize time on task.

6. Communicate high expectations.

7. Respect diverse talents and ways of learning.

Blog

Efimova and Fiedler, (2004) as cited in Wopereis, Sloep and Poortman (2010) defined a Weblog or ‘‘Blog’’ as a frequently updated personal website with dated entries displayed in reverse chronological order. Efimova and Fiedler asserted that the Blog is unique in that it “integrates the registration, consultation and exchange of information” (p.247). Beldarrain (2006) further stress that students and teachers use blogging to boost the learning experience and this can be used in our particular case scenario. In this particular scenario, the blog will enhance and facilitate exchange of information, clarify processes and ensure each employee does sign into the program.

Podcast

Podcasting is an excellent way to demonstrate the various steps involved in each module. The term "podcasting" combines "broadcasting" with "iPod." Podcasts (also called vlogs if they use video or audioblogs if only audio is used) refer to the posting of digital audio and video content onto a web site; these files are then downloadable to an MP3 player or one's computer. (Harvard University, 2011). The podcasts will illustrate the best practices as the learner view and listen to the step-by-step processes presentations

External resources

Here are some blogs with embedded podcasts on safety training for Biodiesel manufacturers

http://utahbiodieselsupply.com/blog/archives/589

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=063muGMJ3ME&feature=pyv&ad=4838699810&kw=safety

References

Beldarrain, Y. (2006). Distance Education Trends: Integrating new technologies to foster student interaction and collaboration. Distance Education, 27(2), 139-153. doi:10.1080/01587910600789498

Harvard University, (2011). Podcast Production. Retrieved September 25, 2011, from HGSE Multimedia Lab Knowledge Center: http://isites.harvard.edu/icb/icb.do?keyword=k1967&pageid=icb.page23750

Wopereis, I. H., Sloep, P. B., & Poortman, S. H. (2010). Weblogs as instruments for reflection on action in teacher education. Interactive Learning Environments, 18(3), 245-261. doi:10.1080/10494820.2010.500530

DISTANCE LEARNING: THE PAST, THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE.

Distance learning is a learning experience where the learners and teacher communicate in a medium other than face to face. students can be in a class where learning was broadcast live, through recorded tapes or through the mail. This Definition is informed by my formative experience and exposure to distance learning. I come from a small rural farming community in the Rift Valley in Kenya. We had radio broadcast lesson from the Kenya Institute of Education in our primary (elementary) school years. We would all be sitting around a small radio and listen to radio broadcast. We had a schedule of classes when Different subjects were presented. These live broadcasts were later disseminated through recorded tapes.

I also distinctly remember taking a Bible class through correspondence in my middle school years. The Bible school would mail the reading materials which I would read and complete assignments and mail it back. Though at this time it never occurred to me it was distance learning, I look back in hindsight and realize I was introduce to distance learning very early in my life.

I have recently been exposed to, and I am currently participating in an online class at Walden University. This course uses online (Internet) technology and the course materials are accessible electronically. Some course materials are also mailed to the learner before the course begins.

 According to Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, & Zvacek (2009) Distance education has four components, institutionally based, separation between the teacher and learner, interactive communications and sharing of learning experiences (data, voice and video). This definition expands on my initial Understanding as it incorporates an institutional base for the programming and management of distance learning. I have also leanrt that distance education is not a new phenomenon but one that has been with us for a long time.


Ditance Learning Mind Map

My vision for the future of distance learning

Distance learning is very versatile and has successfully integrated new communication technologies as they become available. Distance learning providers over the years have had to overcome the challenge of sending materials to the learner or investing heavily in broadcast technologies. Oblinger (2000) asserts that distance education represents a strategic "inflection point" for higher education, signaling the fundamental transformation of education as we know it. Presently, Distance learning is gaining grounds over traditional learning since it’s require less investment in physical infrastructure. Distance education can accommodate a doubling of the the student population without massive investment in class infrastructure and thus save billions of dollars. This kind of versatility will continue to position Distance learning at a better position than the tradition face to face classroom.

References

Oblinger, D. G. ( 2000, March/April). The Nature and Purpose of Distance Education. Retrieved September 09, 2011, from The Technology Source : http://ts.mivu.org/default.asp?show=article&id=1034.

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2009). Teaching and Learning at a Distance: Foundations of Distance Education. 4th Ed. Boston: Pearson.