Will Distance Learning Disappear?The integration of fulltime and distance learners.

Brian Mulligan, Bob KennedyInstitute of Technology Sligo

EdTech2007, May 2007

IT Sligo’s Rapid Development Model for Online Learning

Evening Classes• Live classes over the Internet

– Reduced hours; recordings also available

• Textbook• Handouts

– Existing Word, PPT + websites

• Independent Learning– Assignments, support, feedback

• Communication via LMS (VLE – Moodle)

• Examination and Accreditation

- Online

What it looks like.

ResourcesLive classes(+ recorded)

Textbooks Handouts

Websites

Video

SupportFeedback

Administrative

AcademicTechnical

LearningActivities

Advantages

• No investment in content.• Very few new skills for

lecturers• Less time to delivery• Human interaction

– Process familiar to learners

Communication NOT Content

Integration of modes

• Class of full-time students• PC, Internet, Data

Projector• Web conferencing system,

electronic whiteboard and microphone

• Distance learner can:– Hear lecturer– See the board

How did it go?• Lecturer

– No technical issues– Somewhat intrusive

• Campus Learners– No big issue– Felt a little exposed

• Distance Learner– Could not hear campus

students– Longer classes– Livlier

Recommendations

• No great problems– Can be done.– Acceptable.

• Fix sound• More research into

Pedagogy– Compromise?– Options?