Evaluating Educational Technology In
Distance Education

Lesson 11

By MaryAnn Avelar-Flores

 

From the reading in Lesson 11, I found that educational technology in distance education delivery and the use of educational telecommunications can only expand despite the many problems in presently has encountered.  Using distance education and educational telecommunications to education the growing population seems to be the most viable solution to many of educational problems, including decrease in teaching staff in schools, students who leave in rural areas, and education which is can be taken through distance education. Distance education has so much potential, however there are many problems that need to be addressed, some of which are security, costs, faculty training, and the digital divide.

 

Some additional article in this area which I found interesting in these areas were found in the following web site:

 

http://www.ed.gov/databases/ERIC_Digests/ed385311.html

“Future Learning:  Distance Education in Community Colleges” by Sarah Parrott

This article discusses the impact of distance education on higher education.  Distance education offers an alternative to traditional classroom setting.  It can accommodate many student’s individual circumstances and educational needs.  Enrollment at community colleges have increased greatly over the last decade, consequently, the best means of accommodating the growing number of students would be through technology.

 

http://www.ed.gov/databases/ERIC_Digests/ed423922.html

“Policy Development for Distance Education” by Vivian Change 

This article discusses distance education’s potential to offer new learning opportunities, which would be unrestricted by time, distance, or individual differences.  It also discusses the need for existing educational practices to change to accommodate the use of distance education.  It is crucial to have a pedagogical change in order to successfully implement technology into education.

 

http://www.ed.gov/databases/ERIC_Digests/ed438338.html

“Implementing Distance Learning in Urban Schools” by Gibran Majdalany and Susan Guiney

This article discusses how distance learning can encourage students to be creative, to participate actively in their own learning, experience other and prepare for their future as adults.  It also encourages active listening, focused attention, and the ability to work independently.  This article also indicated that the schools must first implement an effective distance-learning program through the use of 3 elements:

  1. A sound instructional design
  2. Appropriate technology applications
  3. Support for teachers, students and collaborative partners.