The Evolution of Communication (Module 2)

It would be very hard to deny the fact that online, distance education has evolved into a new creature with characteristics that are different from traditional, face-to-face education. While it is true that there are overlaps in the two forms of education, the means by which students participate and reach their academic goal are drastically different.  One of the glaring differences between the two forms of education is the system of communication that is necessary to participate.  This not only means the communication from the instructor to the student, but also from the student to the instructor, and from student to student.

As technology has evolved so has the ways that people communicate.  This has never been more evident than in distance education programs across the globe.  The fact that there are programs across the globe equipped to educate people at a distance lends validity to the fact that communication has evolved.  Without turning this blog into a history of communication, it is important to see how it has evolved to the point that distance education programs are becoming ultra successful and an equivalent option to traditional, face-to-face academic programs.

Communication has evolved from drawings on cave walls to the invention of the printing press, from telegraphs to telephones, and from letters to emails.  However, communication extends past those to includes real time video communication from the smallest hand held devices. This evolution has given rise to a number of ways that students and instructors can communicate with each other throughout the course of study.  Some example of online tools that exist today are video conferencing programs such as Skype, but also hand held applications such as Facetime.  Of course these programs are in addition to traditional online forms of communication such as email, instant messaging tools, and social networking sites.

Not only is it important to have an idea of the types of communication that are available, but it is equally important to know what type of experience will be elicited from the form of communication used. As mentioned in Jill Schiefelbein's blog (linked below) the online forms of communication provide a richness to the experience that outweigh those from simple forms of written communication.  In the context of a distance education program this is vital to ensuring that the student has a positive learning experience, but also that the forms of communication used promotes learning.  Steve Wheeler compiles numerous documents and presentations in his blog to show the future of online, digital communication and its effect on the world of education.  Based on the previous history of communication and its effect on learning, as communication continues to progress, so will the ability of humans to use those forms of communication as a means of educating others.

http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/online-education/media-richness-and-communication-in-online-education/

http://steve-wheeler.blogspot.com/2012/12/communication-and-learning-in-digital.html

Video Project Topic

I will be researching and developing my video on developing critical thinking skills.  Since I teach 8th grade, my focus will be on developing those skills in middle school students.

Developing Distance Education: Is it Needed? (Module 1)

It must be noted that Huett, Moller, Foshay, and Coleman (2008) hit the nail on the head when they mentioned that our modern-day society loves an overly simple solution to a very complex and daunting problem.  After reading their article, I would not put the development of distance education in the category of overly simple solution.  However, it is important to note that distance education is, nonetheless, a solution to a multi-faceted problem.

 It seems that education and technology are progressing at rapid rates, and distance learning is a by-product of their intersection.  The convergence of these two forces, coupled with capitalism and ease of access has made distance learning the trend in education.  Based on the assertions of Huett, Moller, Foshay, and Coleman (2008) and Simonson (Laureate, 2008) there is a growing need to develop distance education.  According to both sets of authors the need arises because of the demand being put on distance education; both in education and the corporate world.

Huett, Moller, Foshay, and Coleman (2008), Simonson (Laureate, 2008), and Ruth and Shi (2001) all see distance education as a means to reach those that traditional universities may have never been able to reach. This even includes proving for opportunities for students in the K-12 sector as well.  The demand for education is growing around the world and is at an all-time high.  While some see this as an educational opportunity, distance education to some is an opportunity to make money and grow their enrollment numbers. 

Previously I mentioned that distance learning was a solution, but not an overly simple solution.  I must clarify that all of the authors mentioned have made it very clear that distance education is not simple in its design or delivery.  In fact, Simonson (Laureate, 2008) contends that traditional education and distance learning have the same inherent goal, but meet that goal in vastly different manners.  He also warns that taking learning experiences from a traditional classroom and posting them in an online, distance format (the craft approach) can have the opposite effect on learners. This is something that Huett, Moller, Foshay, and Coleman (2008) support, going so far to say that traditional methods are questionable as they are, and simply re-posting them in a different format would be insane, and a waste.

I consider myself to be somewhat up to date on the latest technology trends, of course the ones that apply directly to my life, and I can recognize the need for distance education.  I say all of that to say, that I agree that distance education is a form of education that needs to be fostered to meet a growing demand.  Whether the intent is education or profit, there is a means by which problems can be solved, and yet it is not overly simple, it is a solution.

Resources:

Huett, J., Moller, L., Foshay, W. & Coleman, C. (2008, September/October). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the Web (Part 3: K12). TechTrends, 52(5), 63–67.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). 2008a. Distance education: The next generation. [Video webset]. Retrieved from  https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_2643771_1%26url%3D

Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008, May/June). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the Web (Part 1: Training and Development). TechTrends, 52(3), 70–75.

Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008, July/August). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the Web (Part 2: Higher Education). TechTrends, 52(4), 66–70.

Ruth, S. & Shi, M. (2001). Distance learning in developing countries: Is anyone measuring cost-benefits? Retrieved from http://policy-icasit.gmu.edu/projects/distance%20learning%20in%20developing%20countries.pdf March11, 2013.

WELCOME!

Welcome to my first blogging experience.  This blog is intended to meet requirements for a class I am currently enrolled in, but will cover educational topics that are important and up-to-date.  I look forward to using this blog as a means of communicating and a means learning.