I agree with Dr. Siemens comments on the advancement of distance education. Siemen (2010) talked about how geography was not an issue anymore with online education. Students from all over the world can participate within the same online courses as anybody else. It's hard for me to believe that I am taking classes in DE with people from other states, but we are all learning the same material and using communication and collaboration to do it.
Global diversity has evolved by DE being an option for students from many different states or countries. I don't think I have had anyone in my courses from another country, but I can't be sure since I am still getting used to the fact of communicating with people from other states. I must broaden my horizons! Global diversity has evolved by tools such as: Skype, social networking sites, instant messaging, blogging, and of course....distance education. I tend to forget about the World Wide Web because I think we take it for granted now, like it will always be there.
I have not used Skype yet, but I plan to initiate it within my classroom. I want to be able to Skype classrooms from other states and counties for my students to get a look at the diversity offered within this technology.
Siemens, G. “The Future of Distance Education”
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ReplyDeleteI believe the innovation which will truly advance distance learning is not operational. Web tools can be used in traditional classes. Eventually, distance learning will evolve due to a revolutionary tool which will only be fully supported in a online class.
ReplyDeleteAndrew, do you have any ideas of what this learning tool will be or look like?
ReplyDeleteLinda, what do you think will be the benefits of using Skype? How will it help you personally and professionally?
ReplyDeleteHey Dana, as far as using skype in my classroom...I feel like it will help students build background knowledge on many levels and topics including diversity, differences and likenesses in other schools across the country and in other countries, and build their awareness of technology available and what can be accomplished with it.
ReplyDeleteAs far as personally, I have not skyped yet. I am not sure how it would help me to be honest. I guess if I had communications outside of the U.S. then it would come in handy in order to talk without being charged unreal prices.