Distance Learning Essay -- Essays Papers

Distance Learning Many institutions of higher education are experimenting with changes having to do with class offerings. According to Keegan, â€Å"It is not easy to define distance education.† An early descriptive definition states that distance education learners are usually taught as individuals and not in groups (Rossman 8). Distance education can be thought of as instructional delivery that does not constrain the student to be physically present in the same location as the instructor. Distance learning is a newly emerging trend that many institutions are taking advantage of. At the present, this type of learning is primarily used for those people who cannot attend courses on a campus. Distance learning is just another sign pointing towards the emergence of a worldwide electronic university. Through these programs, institutions are creating truly â€Å"global classrooms.† In today’s technologically advanced society, the term â€Å"classroom† has a new meaning. In distance learning, one’s classroom could consist of a television classroom, a â€Å"virtual classroom,† a teleconference, a â€Å"virtual reality† classroom, and others. The traditional classroom is being substituted for classrooms that accommodate each different distance-learning program. Virtual classrooms take place on the computer and can be accessed anywhere. Teleconferences take place on the telephone. On-line courses are held anytime on-line, which makes it easier for the student taking the course. Another form of distance education is visual learning, which includes using video systems and broadcast television. Television broadcasts are used for one-way video and audio presentations. Radios and tapes can also allow the student to listen to lectures one way and audio-... ... to the educating of today’s society. Distance learning is thought to be able to increase global unity, create an easier, less stressful way to receive a quality education, and overall create a greater passion for learning(Rossman 138). Works Cited Hodgson, Vivien E, Sarah J. Mann, and Robin Snell. Beyond Distance Teaching-Towards Open Learning. Philadelphia:Open University Press, 1987. 1-181. Kennedy, Kristen. â€Å"Intellectual Property in the Digital Age.† Technology and Learning 22(2001):8 Porter, Lynette R. Creating the Virtual Classroom:Distance Learning with the Internet. New York: John Wiley and Sons Inc.,1997.1-83 Rossman,Parker.The Emerging Worldwide Electronic University:Information Age Global Higher Education.Connecticut:Greenwood Press, 1992.1-89. â€Å"The Army Marches Into Online Learning.† Black Issues in Higher Education 24(2001):17