Distance Learning Mind Map

Defining Distance Learning

 My introduction to a computer began when I was a library helper in my elementary school. I spent many days reading, until the computer came onto our campus.  We only had one computer on campus housed in the library and I was the first to play with it. I learned how to use DOS commands, and eventually took apart the computer and put it back together just to learn all I could about it. I was enthralled with the possibilities a computer brought to us. 

In my undergrad degree, I was introduced to the all new Windows platform, and this is where I envisioned my future. I began to use the computer on a daily basis, finding ways to organize and track my college work. As I started my first graduate degree, cloud computing was just opening up to the world and I was introduced to blended learning. I dove into my second master's degree completely online in the distance learning model. For me, distance learning was my savior as I was working full time, raising two children, running a household and balancing my life. To me, distance learning is a form of learning hosted completely in an online digital format, with flexibility to learn at one's own pace with no traditional face-to-face classrooms. It allows the learner the ability to learn on their own time from course work provided by the educator. 

    I began my educational teaching career eighteen years ago as a media specialist at a private school.  I taught literacy, research and technology skills. As I progressed through the years, I taught students how to use computers to organize their work, type and save research projects, research online resources, how to locate and use eBooks and taught in a blended learning model. Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., & Zvacek, S. (2015) defines distance education as institutional based, formal education where digital devices are used to connect learner, resources and educators interactively. This is in terms, the base definition for distance learning. When we moved into the distance learning model due to Covid 19, I thought of my own definition and beliefs about what defined distance learning and set up the lessons for my students to be able to have the flexibility, access to resource and work at their own pace without overwhelming them with large amounts of work, but small learning goals.  

As I see it, there are many different types of teaching styles and learning styles. Not all teachers are suited to teach in an online format. Distance learning is not for all students as it is suited for motivated, self learners who can manage their time wisely.  I do not see distance learning being the only way in the future for learning, but I do see it as one that can help those who have the ability to handle it. Galisha, J (1998) mentions loss of student motivation due to the lack of face-to-face contact with teachers and peers can be a barrier to distance learning. I believe that, as social creatures, we need to socialize for us to extend our learning abilities. Blended learning is more of a format that I see in our future as it offers both learning platforms, allowing learners to discover their own learning styles to follow. 

References:

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., & Zvacek, S. (2015). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education

Galusha, J. M. (1998). Barriers to learning in distance education. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED416377 

Educational Journey

This is the beginning of my educational journey blog.  I began my educational journey as a child loving to read and research. Through the years, my love of reading and researching became my drive to continue my educational journey up to my third master degree.