Redefinition: "institution-based, formal education where the learning group is separated, and where interactive telecommunications systems are used to connect learners, resources, and instructors" (Schlosser & Simonson, 2009, p. 1) (Simonson, Smaldino, & Zvacek, 2014, p. 6)
How is this definition changing today? I consider how I use distance learning in my classroom, which is not a distance learning classroom but often uses similar online tools, and wonder if how my students (secondary level, 8th grade) work with distant learning tools. I have found that many are not motivated to use them outside of face-to-face classrooms, but that could likely due to age (an 8th grade might have a much harder time self managing his/her education than a college aged person).
Is distant learning effective? The studies cited by Simonson, Smaldino, & Zvacek indicate that "media are mere vehicles" and do not determine how effective education is (p. 7). So, according to research, the delivery method of an education does not affect learning.
Reflection: Those findings ring true with my personal experiences as a student. Whether or not a class is online does not matter nearly as much as how the instructor delivers the content. A boring lecture in person would be boring online. An engaging lesson in person can certainly be designed to be engaging online. Content and process matters much more than delivery. As a teacher, I could see the pitfalls of distance education much more easily, though, especially in the area in which I specialize (secondary education). Distance education depends on student motivation much more than face-to-face classes. How can that motivation be given to distant learning students who have a hard time finding it?
Telemedicine
"...health care offered by recognized, formally accredited medical organizations..." at a distance (Simonson, Smaldino, & Zvacek, 2014, p. 18
Reflection: An interesting use of telecommunications I had not considered. The text shows the drawbacks and advantages of telemedicine, showing that, like in education, is not relied on as the only manner of medicine but it is becoming more viable and certainly has room to grow.
4 Characteristics
Geographic Separation, sometimes time separation
Interactive telecommunications (not limited to electronics, think: postal system)
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Learning community (teachers, students, resources)
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