Content summarized and edited by : Kaylee L. Baugh

Slide 1: Textual summary of Barriers to Learning in Distance Education. (one)

Slide 2: Textual summary of Stave Off These Seven Pitfalls of Distance Learning. (two)

Slide 3: Textual summary of Distance Learning Programmes: Pros & Cons. (three)

Slide 4: My views on article one Slide 5: My views on article two Slide 6: My views on article three Slide 7: Visual comprehension of article one with

textual cues. Slide 8: Visual comprehension of article two with

textual cues. Slide 9: Visual comprehension of article three with

textual cues. Slide 10: Conclusion with citation

There are many benefits and concerns when dealing with distance education, and Galusha addresses many of the problems and presents viable solutions. Galusha states there are five main problems with distance education and they are: student learning insecurities, lack of feedback from the teacher, lack of school services for student issues, alienation/isolation, and inappropriate study materials.

While Galusha cites the five overall issues with distance education she also provides ways to counter act issues. She states schools and teachers need to make sure they care as much about their distance learners as traditional learners. This can be accomplished by adequate teacher contact, user-friendly course data, and easy access to tutors and mentors.

Also Galusha writes proper training to teachers should be provided to those teachers planning to teach a distance learning class, because more issues are created by teachers who aren’t as knowledgeable and comfortable with technology.

Lastly, it is important to consider the course itself when developing the class. Standards of material and testing need to be used in order to maintain the same level of learning between the distance and the traditional student.

My Review of Galusha’s Argument: Click here

What Sheinberg does in this article is direct it mainly at educators teaching distance learning courses. He explains what preconceptions and misconceptions students as well as teachers have concerning distance education. According to Sheinberg students who are new to distance learning think the course will run the same as a traditional classroom, which it is not. He suggests teachers have a link or explain where to go for a tutorial in distance learning. By doing this the teacher is providing help to novice distance learners without alienating those who are experienced.

Also, Sheinberg stresses the importance for teachers teaching distance courses to reformat their traditional plan for the course. Since the two are not the same, the set-up must also not be the same. Interactive course set-ups tend to be the most beneficial for learners.

Lastly, and most importantly, the teacher needs to be aware of time. Time to plan out the entire course and “test-drive” it. Time for the students to complete each aspect of the course. Time to communicate and provide feedback for the learner. Time for technological errors an mistakes.

My Review of Sheinberg’s Argument: Click here

What the author in the article is explain what exactly distance learning entails and gives the full range of possibilities in types of degrees available through distance learning. While this section of information is general in nature it does present possibilities to those people who are truly unfamiliar with distance learning.

The next section of the article weighs the pros and cons of distance learning creating an evenly matched list for either side of the article for people to read and evaluate.

Lastly, the author concludes by stating that while there are many opportunities concerning distance education it is important to do the correct amount or research in order to find the best program at the best institution.

My Review of Anonymous presentation: Click here

I feel like this article is very academic in nature, and is set up well. Galusha lists the five major problems with distance learning and five possible solutions. What I found most interesting about Galusha’s article was what she addresses as the major problems in distance learning. This article was written 12 years ago in 1997, and from my experience with online classes many of the problems are still the same. What does that say about the improvement of distance learning?

Go on to see how IUPUI accommodates distance learners

What is special and different about this article as opposed to many others is that is directed at online educators, and how to improve their classes. This is especially handy for novice educators. The importance of this article to me is that with such a great persistence in technology, and the rapid growth of online classes given, I may end up teaching an online class eventually. It is always good to see what might be in store for the future.

Go on to facts about the future of online learning

I feel like if you can overlook some of the obvious editing errors this article has a great deal of good to say. Not only does it provide minimal information about the types of degrees one can acquire online, it easily lays out the pros and cons on distance learning without pressuring one way or the other. As I looked at the site the errors could be explained by the author possibly being a non-native English speaker based on the comments on the article. Most people don’t want to read a lengthy article, so this author did great by simplifying.

Go to pros and cons of distance learning

Welcome to University Library | IUPUI University Library : This link opens to the University Library where distance learners have access to thousands of articles and books, and if they are having trouble finding necessary resources, students can “Ask a Librarian” via chat.

Welcome! Bepko Learning Center @ University College : The Bebko center is a site for students who either need to get help or want to give help in certain subject areas. Distance learners can sign up to come in and work individually with a tutor to gain extra help.

A campus map is always a useful tool, when distance learners who are unfamiliar with campus must visit for a portion of the class.

CLICK HERE to go to next article

About the teachers A 2008 study by The O'Keeffe

Company and CDW-G found that 25% of them believe that a professor's lack of tech skills is the biggest obstacle they have to achieving their technology goals (Success Degrees)

According to The Chronicle Index of For-Profit Education, America's top 5 for-profit schools currently have 5,985 full-time faculty and 37,249 part-time professors and instructors.

About the students According to a study by Thompson

Learning, online students tend to have higher intelligence, more emotional stability, and are more compulsive, self-sufficient and introverted than traditional on-campus students. (Success Degrees)

http://www.successdegrees.com/interesting-facts-about-distance-learning.html

CLICK HERE to go to next article

No need to go to campus for class.

You can work while in school.

You get to work at your own pace (relatively).

Courses are improved and updated regularly.

Can take the class even if you have limited mobility.

Not as much interaction with students and teachers.

Must have access to the internet.

Must be self-motivated.

Often technical difficulties.

Set up differently than a traditional classroom.

CLICK HERE to go to conclusion

Distance learning is a fast growing form of education, especially in a world where time is money. It is important to know as a student the commitment involved, and as a teacher to be ready to communicate with needy individuals.

Galusha, Jill M. (1997). Barriers to learning in distance education . The Infrastructure Network, Retrieved June, 2009, from www.infrastruction.com/barriers.htm

Scheinberg, Moises (2000). Stave off these seven pitfalls of distance learning. American Society for Training and Development, Retrieved June, 2009, from www.astd.org/LC/2000/0400_scheinberg.htm

(2008). Distance learning programmes pros and cons. Study Places, Retrieved June, 2009, from www.studyplaces.com/blog/distance-learning-programmes-pros-cons?page=2