Years ago, as a student working towards my associate’s degree I remember taking a distance education class which consisted of me watching VHS videotapes and submitting my homework at the local community college campus on Fridays at 3:00pm.  Since then education has changed.

When it comes to online learning it is in high demand in schools in all parts of the country. Students are now deferring the traditional setting with the professor facilitating a lecture and opting for distance instruction. The ability to communicate globally allows education to change. Lectures and learning materials are offered to students who are able to retrieve them at their leisure. For those who perform a forty hour work week; they are able to have the ability to study and schedule events that fit their lifestyle. Also, online courses teaches one to be disciplined. It takes self-motivation; in which the student’s success level depends upon them using their time productively. Tests and reading materials can be reviewed until the pupil is ready to complete the assignments. There is time to absorb the materials prior to due dates. Time management is key (Piccanio; 2011).

According to Piccanio; Synchronous distance learning allows the teacher and student to communicate with text, audio, or video. Blending with Purpose is a model that is recommend that educators apply technology for instruction which consists of content, dialect, collaborations which meets socially and emotional needs of the student. Prior to purchasing materials for distance learning some important factors to consider are performance, compatibility, modularity, ergonomics, software availability, reputation of the manufacturer, and the price of the item (Piccanio, 2011).

According to author Desantis; there are some technical requirements you may want to consider before enrolling in a class that is taught online more than just possessing a computer and having access to the internet such as the following:

ü  Printer/Scanner

ü  Basic Software; audio, movie maker, or any form of graphics

ü  Email Address

ü  Adobe Acrobat

ü  Plug ins; flash drives, quick time, real player

ü  Tablets; to download textbooks

In conclusion, technology is and most likely will continue to be the connection to learning at distance. Students’ interest in taking technology and applying it to difficult concepts, as well as their interest in using it as a way of exploring their career opportunities will only increase as long as colleges continue to enroll.

References

Desantis, J. (2012). Getting the most from your interactive whiteboard investment: Three guiding

principles for designing effective professional development. The Clearing House, 51-55.  

 

Picciano, A. G. (2011). Educational leadership and planning for technology (5th ed.).  Hunter College, NY: Allyn & Bacon  

 

Sheninger, E. (2014). Digital leadership: Changing paradigms for changing times. Thousand Oaks: Corwin.