Chapter 7 Blog Notes

Chapter 7: Introducing the Internet and Other Distance Learning Tools

Distance Learning- The acquisition of knowledge and skills through mediated information and instruction, encompassing all technologies and other forms of learning at a distance.

• Video Courses
• Web Based Courses

Types of Distance Learning Activities:

• Student Research- students use the internet to search for materials and information to support their research and production work
• Online Classroom Materials- teachers use online materials to help teach themselves and/or their students a topic or a skill.  Example: Online tutorials
• Web-based Lessons- teachers use website resources to structure a curriculum lesson
• Virtual Courses and Programs

Issues in Distance Learning:

• Development and Socialization Issues- spending too much time on computers has been cited as harmful to children's development of relationships and social skills
• Virtual Schooling Issues
• Curriculum Alignment- have to be aligned to state and local standards
• Teacher Certification- online teachers must receive certification from a state agency
• Accreditation- can be granted by the virtual school or the school district
• Funding- debate over whether virtual schools should be authorized to use public funds
• Possible negative consequences- drop out rate higher for online courses, lack of socialization.

Top 10 Ways Distance Resources Support Learning:

1. Fast access to information
2. Access to experts not available locally
3. Fast communication to groups
4. Communication resources to support collaboration
5. Access to learning materials
6. Access to courses and lessons not locally available
7. Access to education for homebound students
8. Learning communities support collaboration
9. Lesson ideas from multiple sources
10. Increased Interaction among students and between students and teachers

Asychronous- courses, where information and messages are left for the receiver to read later, tended to show greater gains than synchronous

Synchronous- communications are sent and received immediately

Pitfalls in Internet Use:

• Potential Pitfall #1- Accessing Sites with Inappropriate Materials
• In order to prevent this from happeing in schools, they should install firewalls on individual computers or on the school or district network that connects them to the Internet.
• Potential Pitfall #2- Safety and Privacy Issues for Students
• Online Predators
• Sales pitches aimed at children
• Privacy issues
• Potential Pitfull #3- Fraud on the Internet
• Potential Pitfull #4- Computer Viruses and Hacking
• Email attachments with viruses
• Downloaded files and programs with viruses
• Potential Pitfull #5- Copyright and plagiarism issues