best practices and current trends in distance learning william r. mcnutt jr., cna, mcp 20 years in...
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Best Practices and Current Best Practices and Current Trends in Distance LearningTrends in Distance Learning
William R. McNutt Jr., CNA, MCP
•20 Years in Information Technology
•15 Years with UT Distance Education and Independent Study
•Infrastructure Design – PEMBA (M.B.A.)
•Technical Support Architect – W.VA. M.L.S.
•Technical Support Manager – Engineering Management (M.S.)
What Distance Education IsWhat Distance Education Is
Learning that occurs when the learner is not local to the instructor.
Convenient to the learnerFlexibleMulti-channeledRe-usablePortable
What Distance Education is What Distance Education is NotNot
Cheap – Distance Education adds an additional layer of technology to the education process, and that costs money.
As good as bricks and mortar techniquesEffective for all learners
What does D.E. Look Like in A.E.? What does D.E. Look Like in A.E.?
Technologies– U.S. Postal Service– Video Check Out– Broadcast Video– “Static” Web Pages, or “Click to Learn”– Chat rooms and Instant Messaging– Virtual Classrooms
Administration– Cost– Logistics– Acceptance
Benefits of DL for AE Benefits of DL for AE ProgramsPrograms
Time Saved – The ability to learn from the home or office eliminates time spent in travel for training
Cost Containment – Depending on the DE technology applied, the cost of DE can actually be less than the cost of travel
New Audience – DE does not cut into the learner base for standard training.
Where does DE fit in AE?Where does DE fit in AE?
Professional DevelopmentAdministrative StreamliningAdult Learners
– Screening– Orientation– Accountability
Barriers to Implementing DEBarriers to Implementing DE
CostAccess to TechnologyInstructor ResistanceAdministrative ResistanceCertification Agency Resistance Accountability
Surmounting Cost IssuesSurmounting Cost Issues
Write specific grants Partner with other programs Partner with local business Partner with local community colleges
Barriers to Implementing DEBarriers to Implementing DE
CostAccess to TechnologyInstructor ResistanceAdministrative ResistanceCertification Agency Resistance Accountability
Access to TechnologyAccess to Technology
Local high schools Local military facilities Local community colleges Loaner equipment Large businesses (Beware of hidden costs)
Barriers to Implementing DEBarriers to Implementing DE
CostAccess to TechnologyInstructor ResistanceAdministrative ResistanceCertification Agency Resistance Accountability
Overcoming Instructor Overcoming Instructor ResistanceResistance
Bribe Them–Cash–Prestige–Extra time to plan–Better, newer equipment–Free training
Wait for them to retireMake DE a factor of the job for new hires
Barriers to Implementing DEBarriers to Implementing DE
CostAccess to TechnologyInstructor ResistanceAdministrative ResistanceCertification Agency Resistance Accountability
Overcoming Administrative Overcoming Administrative ObjectionsObjections
See over-coming cost Self-documenting features of many DE packages Note time saved and travel eliminated Note cost saved by portability and re-use
Barriers to Implementing DEBarriers to Implementing DE
CostAccess to TechnologyInstructor ResistanceAdministrative ResistanceCertification Agency Resistance Accountability
Over-Coming Agency ResistanceOver-Coming Agency Resistance
Persistence – Don’t give up Resolve accountability concerns Take advantage of automatic tracking features Maintain logs Start with small pilots
Barriers to Implementing DEBarriers to Implementing DE
CostAccess to TechnologyInstructor ResistanceAdministrative ResistanceCertification Agency Resistance Accountability
Resolving Accountability Resolving Accountability ConcernsConcerns
Self-reporting Averaging In person check-ins Telephone check-ins Proctoring
– Local high school guidance councilors– Military education officers– Local community colleges– Churches
The US Postal ServiceThe US Postal Service
Old Fashioned CorrespondenceCheapLargest ReachRequires no additional technological
resourcesRequires minimal level of literacy
Video Tape CheckoutVideo Tape Checkout
Can be done through the mailMinimal administrative costsRequires minimal access to technologyWorks with lower levels of literacyLow cost content is available
Broadcast VideoBroadcast Video
Free air-time is often availableSome content is available cheaply or for
freeNot flexible for time slotsCan be an administrative headacheOften requires technical skills or special
training that can be time consuming
The Learning ManagerThe Learning Manager
Multiple resources collected under a single interface to simplify the distance learning experience for both the instructor and the learner.
Very aggressively priced
Web-based directed learning environment designed to simplify putting course content on the internet.
Centra ConferenceCentra Conference
Shared Whiteboard Aggressively priced for lease
Real-time interaction Minimal bandwidth Two-way audio Synchronized Slide Presentation