Student-Centered Learning

In the book, “Teaching and Learning at a Distance,” the authors describe student-centered learning as a philosophy of education which promotes active learning, collaboration, mastery of course material, and student control over the learning process. In a student-centered learning model, students are given more responsibility for planning activities, researching, and assessing their own learning.

I believe that some of the characteristics of student-centered learning are very practical and easily implemented. For instance, cooperative learning promotes student-centered learning. I have found that when students work together on a project or in a group, they take more responsibility for their learning; they can share their knowledge; and often they can better recall the information.

I believe that many of the features of student-centered learning work very well in the online learning environment. With online learning, students have to take responsibility for their learning and be active participants in the class discussions. In fact, I believe that because of how it is delivered and by its very nature, online learning is more conducive to the student-centered philosophy than the traditional classroom.

Rules for Communicating on the Web

For my graduate course this week, I have to develop a set of rules for communicating on the Web. Here are some of my thoughts about rules I will need:

Many of my students have developed informal communication habits through the constant use of instant messaging and text messaging. So, I will include a Web rule which requires that they spell out words completely. Abbreviations and acronyms such as BTW (by the way) should not be used. Students will be directed to write their own thoughts in complete sentences.
One of my major concerns is that they use respect for one another in their postings. Therefore, there will be a rule with regard to being polite and courteous to one another. In addition, they will be reminded to be understanding and patient with each other's mistakes. So that they do not procrastinate, I will require that they respond to each posting in a timely manner -- at least within one week.

History of Distance Learning

In the article, “Plato as Distance Education Pioneer,” Gary Klass states that there is nothing new about distance education. He gives the example of Plato’s publication of Socrates’ Dialogues. Klass states that Plato used the “written word” technology to accomplish distance education.

In more modern times, in the United States, Ohio University, the University of Texas and the University of Maryland were among the earliest universities to create networks to reach both on-campus and off-campus student populations (Brientenfield, 1968) In 1971 the first “open” United States university which provided flexibility in time limitations on degree programs was New York State’s Empire State College (Gerrity, 1976).

According to Klass, current distance education involves virtual universities, online programs, and Internet courses. Klass states that the primary clientele of virtual universities are non-traditional and part-time students. Klass believes that Web-courses delivered through software packages such as Web CT and Blackboard pose a threat to higher education.

I believe that Web courses may require instructors to utilize new technology, but they are not a threat to higher education as Klass states. Online programs can improve education by encouraging group discussions and collaboration and by helping students to develop good writing and communication skills

Distance Learning

I am currently taking an online course about the history of distance learning. This week I read an article about distance learning which was written by Doug Valentin from the University of Oklahoma. In the artcle he lists the following definitions of distance learning:

". . . the term distance learning has been applied to many instructional methods: however, its primary distinction is that the teacher and the learner are separate in space and possibly time." Teaster and Blieszner (1999)
". . . distance education and training result from the technological separation of teacher and learner which frees the student from the necessity of traveling to a fixed place, at a fixed time, to meet a fixed person, in order to be trained." Keegan (1995)