EDTECH 2 Notes  Information search Internet Search and Reference Tools

 “Live” communication
LESSON 1: INTERNET AND INTRANETS General Search Engine – used for searching specific topics
 Video based communication
(Google, hotbot, alltheweb, etc.).
Network- when you connect computers in a ways that
Our network (online) is connected to another network
enable people to communicate and share information Specialized Search Engines used for searching special
(internetwork) but we are not connected to the Internet
categories of information (Ask, s9, Sciseek)
Connection- a collection of terminals, computer, and other (offline).
equipment that uses communications channels to share Subject directory is an Internet search tool or service
INTERNET- It is the network of different networks, basically
data, information, hardware, and software created and manage by librarians and information
a wide area network utilizing different communication
managers. Example is the Yahoo.
Classification of Communication Networks channels and media.
Meta Index it is the search engine of search engines.
Local Area Network (LAN), is a communication network INTRANET- A network of a company or firm using the
Examples are the Metacrawler, Dogpile and many others.
that is privately owned and that covers a limited Internet infrastructure to communicate business internal
geographical area such as an office, a building or a group of information and transactions. Web portals are sites on the World Wide Web that
buildings. typically provide personalized capabilities to their visitors.
EXTRANET- A network of a company or firm using the
They are designed to use distributed applications, different
Metropolitan Area Network is designed over an entire Internet infrastructure to communicate business
numbers and types of middleware and hardware to
city. It maybe a single network such as a cable television information and transactions with customers, clients and
provide services from a number of different sources. In
network or it may be a means of connecting a number of competitors.
addition, business portals are designed to share
LANs into a larger network so that resources may be collaboration in workplaces
HTML (hypertext markup language)- is a markup language
shared LAN to LAN as well as device to device.
designed for the creation of web pages with hypertext and
Archive use to search lost web pages due to changes and
Wide Area Network (WAN), is geographic in scope and other information to be displayed in a web browser.
updates of organization or agency web content.
uses telephoneline, microwaves, satellites, or a
Email- is a method of composing, sending, and receiving
combination of communication channels.
messages over electronic communication systems.
Internet- a worldwide network infrastructure or
IRC (Internet Relay Chat) is a form of instant
information superhighway of interconnected networks
communication over the Internet. It is mainly designed for
- The Internet is frequently changing collection of
millions of computer networks serving tens of group (many to many) communication in discussion forums
millions of people around the world. called channels , but also allows one to one
- An abbreviation or truncated term for communication.
internetworking. Connections of different
Newsgroup is a repository usually within the Usenet
networks
system, for messages posted from many users at different
Cyberspace- expanding network of cable, fibers, and the locations. The term is somewhat confusing, because it is
telephone lines forms the physical structure of the usually a discussion group. Newsgroups are technically An IP address is an identifier for a computer or device on a
electronic “universe” and delivers vast amount of distinct from, but functionally similar to, discussion forums TCP/IP network. It's to the computer what addresses are to
information directly to individuals at school, work, and on the World Wide Web. Newsreader software is used to houses.
home. read newsgroups.
TCP/IP- Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
Modem- a device that changes computer data into audio Search engine is a program designed to help find
signals for transmission across telephone lines. information stored on a computer system such as the THE INVISIBLE WEB
World Wide Web, inside a corporate or proprietary
INTERNET SERVICES network or a personal computer. Examples are Google, ‘Surface’ Web
Altavist, Hotbot and many others.  static Web documents mostly html format
 Electronic mail (email)
‘Deep’ or ‘invisible’ Web - Up to date information access
- Navigation.
 dynamic content, eg. Database driven html - Idea exchange. Pull versus push approach. Rather than have learners feel
documents - Convenient communication. force to read a lot of information, such as a large textbook
 ephemeral content, eg. Current news - Low cost. or training manual being ―pushed to read the material,
 gray literature, eg. Technical reports the learner can choose what information to read, they can
 Non html formats, eg. Pdf files LIMITATIONS OF THE INTERNET ―pull out information as necessary (Stevens,
 database content, eg. Medline, Analytical
- Age-inappropriate material. Limitations of Intranet
Abstracts
- Copyright.
- Unprecedented growth. Unreliable remote connections. An employee or learner
World Wide Web (www)- commonly known as the Web, is
- Support. dialing in from home occasionally line problems or a
an information system enabling documents and other web
resources to be accessed over the Internet - Access. broken connection. This can be particularly frustrating if
- not separate from the Internet. Instead, it rides - Access speed. the person is downloading information from the Intranet.
on top of it, in the same way that an application - Lack of quality control. Speed of response. Currently, response time can be very
such as Power Point runs on the top of an
operating system such as Windows. INTRANET- Intranets are internal networks for companies slow for sending or downloading graphics, photos,
- The Web is a series of communication protocols and schools. Intranets are a way of increasing animation, audio, or video. Video and audio streaming
between client and server. communication, collaboration, and information technologies show promise in eliminating some of the
dissemination within companies or school where divisions, problems associated with speed for downloading visual
The Web protocol called hypertext transfer protocol departments, and workgroups each use a different and audio information. The problem with this technology
(HTTP), ensures compatibility before transferring computer platform (hardware and/or operating system), or is that the information does not reside on the user’s
information. computer in the end.
where users work in geographically distant locations. Users
access the intranet either directly or by dialing into the Integration
The Web is comprised with the documents called
network.
Web pages.
- Currently many fortune 500 companies are using
Even though an intranet may be connected to a larger intranet base networks for training applications.
Each individual collection of pages is called
network (the Internet, for example) a software package - Providing training modules (whether or not
Website.
called a firewall prevents external users for accessing the computer based) over a corporate intranet help
Users access a website by entering its address or internal, while allowing internal users to access external to reduce costs and to decrease the time
Uniform resource locator (URL) into their browser. networks. required to provide employees with latest
- The URL contains the name of the host computer version of materials.
Advantages of Intranet
(server), the name of domain, the directory on - Updating intranet training materials to reflect
server, and the name of Web page navigation Centralization. Information resides in a central database changes in the company’s policies or products is
within and among Web pages relies on hypertext accessible by employees or students at any time. Self- relatively easy.
links that, when selected move users to another
training can be completed at the learner’s pace, at work or
location on the same page, another website on ISSUES
at home.
the same host computer, or to a different
computer on the Web. Consistency. Because of the central location of - The Center of Education in Research in
information, all interested parties view the same copy of Information Assurance and Security (CERIAS)
A web browser is an application for accessing websites. focuses on multidisciplinary research and
educational materials.
When a user requests a web page from a particular education in the areas of information security.
website, the browser retrieves its files from a web server Currency. An intranet allows for easy, low cost, timely - The organization is concerned with supporting
and then displays the page on the user's screen. updates of materials, removing the need for constantly educators in issues of privacy, ethics, and
replacing multiple copies of obsolete materials. Everyone management of information.
ADVANTAGES OF THE INTERNET
has access to the most current version of the material. - Issues such as confidentiality of student’s
- Variety of media. records, privacy of information, and protection of
 students while they work online are important - Referred to as netiquette, they apply to email - Enhances computer and Internet skills
considerations. and to other interactions on the Web - Draws upon hundreds of years of established
- This organization provides guidelines for pedagogical principles
educators to established policies within their ASSURE MODEL - Has the attention of every major university in the
schools to protect students, teachers, and the - Analyze learners world, most with their own online degrees,
school community. - State objectives certificates, and individual courses

MONITORING STUDENT USE - Select Methods, Media, and Materials eLearning Modalities
- Utilize Media and Materials
- Teachers and parents monitor students when - Require Learner Participation 1. Individualized self-paced e-learning online
using the Internet to ensure that their behavior - Evaluate and Revise - Students need to have access and logon to the
is appropriate and to discourage them from Internet in order to engage and participate in
exploring inappropriate material either LESSON 2 E-LEARNING eLearning activities.
deliberately or accidentally. e-Learning- the effective learning process created by 2. Individualized self-paced e-learning offline
- The amount and level of monitoring is often combining digitally delivered content with learning support - Learning package, software and contents are
based on the page of the students younger services. -V. Waller and J. Wilson sent to students in CDs and other storage to be
students may need more monitoring than older - “E-learning includes all forms of electronically installed in the learner’s computer. Students
students. supported learning and teaching...” -wikipedia need NOT have access and logon to the Internet
in order to engage and participate in eLearning
ACCEPTABLE USE PROFILES Features of ELearning activities.
- Many schools have developed acceptable use 3. Group based e-learning synchronously
- Learning is self-paced and gives students a
policies. Check to see if your school has such a - Learners are situated in the same location
chance to speed up or slow down as necessary
policy. If not, check with other school or your synchronously (same time) accessing learning
- Learning is self-directed, allowing students to
state department of public education. materials and attending to lecture delivered by
choose content and tools appropriate to their
the teacher (resource person) via a
differing interests, needs, and skill levels
SECURITY teleconference or Internet live video conference.
- Accommodates multiple learning styles using a
4. Group based e learning asynchronously
- Students should be instructed not to give out variety of delivery methods geared to different
- Group of learners are situated in different
personal information such as their phone learners; more effective for certain learners
locations and time zones asynchronously (NOT
numbers, addresses and other personal - Designed around the learner
same time) accessing learning materials and
information over the Internet. - Geographical barriers are eliminated, opening up
engaging in learning activities at their own
- Students have been contracted and even harmed broader education options’
convenient schedule. Learning materials are
by unscrupulous individuals. - 24/7 accessibility makes scheduling easy and
available 24/7 via the school portal.
- It may be wise for student to give their school’s allows a greater number of people to attend
phone number and the address for classes Types of e-Learning
correspondence. - On demand access means learning can happen
- Also, as an educator, you should concerned that precisely when needed 1. Learner-Led e-Learning
you have parental permission to post children’s - Travel time and associated costs (parking, fuel, - also called stand alone or self-directed e learning
photos on the Web. vehicle maintenance) are reduced or eliminated consist of the delivery of learning experiences to
- Overall student costs are frequently less (tuition, independent learners.
ETIQUETTE residence, food, child care) 2. Facilitated e-learning
- Potentially lower costs for companies needing - makes use of the capabilities of Learner Led E
- There are informal rules for appropriate behavior training, and for the providers learning and add the benefit of having an
on the Internet. - Fosters greater student interaction and instructor guiding the learner.
- Using the analogy of the Internet as the collaboration
information superhighway, these are the ―rules - Fosters greater student/instructor contact
of the road.
 3. Instructor-Led e-learning  Students may feel isolated from the instructor 4. Higher Retention
- makes use of technology to deliver traditional and classmates  Online learning will draw you to topics you
classes real time.  Instructor may not always be available when like and enjoy. Studies show that because of
students are studying or need help this and the variety of delivery methods
Advantages of e-Learning used to reach different types of learners,
 Slow Internet connections or older computers
 Class work can be scheduled around work and may make accessing course materials frustrating retention is frequently better than in a
family  Managing computer files and online learning traditional classroom.
software can sometimes seem complex for 5. Greater Collaboration
 Reduces travel time and travel costs for off-
campus students students with beginner-level computer skills  Technology tools make collaboration among
 Hands-on or lab work is difficult to simulate in a students much easier. Since many projects
 Students may have the option to select learning
materials that meets their level of knowledge virtual classroom involve collaborative learning, the online
environment is far easier (and often more
and interest BENEFITS OF e-LEARNING comfortable) to work in since learners don't
 Students can study anywhere they have access to
have to be face-to-face.
a computer and Internet connection 1. Convenience and Portability
6. Global Opportunities
 Self-paced learning modules allow students to  Courses are accessible on your schedule
 The global learning community is at your
work at their own pace  Online learning does not require physical
fingertips with online learning. The
 Flexibility to join discussions in the bulletin board attendance
technologies used give online instructional
threaded discussion areas at any hour, or visit  Learning is self-paced (not too slow, not too fast)
designers the ability to build in tools that
with classmates and instructors remotely in chat  You're unbound by time - courses are available
take you to resources you may never see in
rooms 24/7
a traditional classroom.
 Instructors and students both report eLearning  You're unbound by place - study at home, work,
fosters more interaction among students and or on the road e-Learning Applications
instructors than in large lecture courses  Read materials online or download them for
 eLearning can accommodate different learning reading later e-Examination
styles and facilitate learning through a variety of 2. Cost and Selection
e-Drills
activities  Choose from a wide range of courses to meet
 Develops knowledge of the Internet and your needs e-Books and e Television
computers skills that will help learners  Degree, Vocational, and Certificate programs
throughout their lives and careers  Continuing Education e-Counselling
 Successfully completing online or computer-  Individual courses e-Sound Book
based courses builds self-knowledge and self-  Wide range of prices to fit your budget
confidence and encourages students to take  Go back to school to get a degree, learn a new Advantages of e-Learning Applications
responsibility for their learning skill, learn a new craft, or just have fun!
 Learners can test out of or skim over materials  From art to zoology you can do it all online in a  educate the learner through technological
already mastered and concentrate efforts in price range to fit your budget. tools
mastering areas containing new information 3. Flexibility  e-learning applications involve mutual
and/or skills  Online learning accommodates your preferences interaction
and needs - it's student-centered  enables the reviewing and renewing of
Disadvantages of e-Learning educational materials in terms of accuracy
 Choose instructor-led or self-study courses
 Skip over material you already know and focus and appropriateness.
 Learners with low motivation or bad study habits
on topics you'd like to learn  increase the level of learning
may fall behind
 Use the tools best suited to your learning styles  easy for the working people to keep up with
 Without the routine structures of a traditional
the changing business world
class, students may get lost or confused about
 contribute to important developments
course activities and deadlines
  in human resources, content and Commitment and Discipline LESSON 3 BLENDED LEARNING
technology
Having a right schedule is only half the battle won. E- Blended Learning- a term often used to described the
 chance to decide when to learn as well as
how fast and how much to learn Learners also have to have the discipline to stick to their provision or use of resources which combine e-learning
schedules. Coming up with a schedule is relatively easy but with other educational resources.
 enables them to contact the teachers via e-
sticking to it requires strict discipline and commitment.
mail or forums Blended Learning Delivery Methods
Needless to say, sacrifices are often involved. You don't
Characteristics of an e-Learner have to give up your entire social life but there are only 24  instructor-led classroom training
hours in a day; perhaps some forms of social activities have
 The first condition of learning is to have the will  computer-based training (CBT) via CD-ROM or
to be cut down upon. However, with PurpleTrain.com this
for it. E-learners direct their own learning. This is download video-based training
is made relatively easier. By taking into consideration
an advantage but sometimes problems may  instructor-led Web-based training (WBT)
learners' convenience and commitment, timing is easily
occur. An e-learner should aim to keep his/her  self-paced virtual classes
adjusted around individuals' schedules.
self-motivation for learning at the highest level.  remote hands-on labs
 E-learners have to spend certain times of the day Motivation and Pro-activeness  self-study guides
for education. They should not make themselves  IBM Redbooks™ (proprietary)
E-Learners must be highly motivated and convinced of the  boot camps
sit in front of the computer for long hours. It is a
reasons they chose to embark in this journey, be it self-  mentoring and coaching
fact that the planned educational sessions
actualisation, or the need to upgrade for a world of
increase achievement.
employment opportunities. And with these end goals in Blended learning vs. E-learning
 When deciding on the time for education, e-
mind, to take the initiative to read course materials and
learners should choose less busy hours of the E-learning includes only technology-enabled training.
probe further whenever in doubt. Through
day when education could be less interrupted. Blended learning combines technology-enabled training
PurpleTrain.com, e-Learners are given boundless
They should keep their attention away from the along with human interaction to help produce a more
opportunities to the facilities necessary for these
outer factors as much as they can. effective solution. It utilizes technology-enabled courses to
objectives.
 After completing each course, e-learners should reduce costs while including human interaction to increase
think about the knowledge they attained as well Positive Attitude the overall effectiveness of the training.
as how to use it. This would increase the level of
motivation. A positive attitude is something that nobody can take away Why not use all e-learning?
 E-learners should determine daily targets for from you. As an e-Learner, a positive "never-say-die"
attitude is essential, especially since you are on a learning  A lot of learning situation where e-learning
themselves.
platform that is considered non-traditional. Recognise that cannot suit to training objectives deliver the
 E-learners should not hesitate to get in contact
you are embracing a new technology and embarking on a desired learning outcome
with the teachers or peers via e-mail or forums in
case they need to reinforce or repeat a topic. new wave of learning. This new medium of education is Why not use all traditional classroom?
the next big thing and your breaking away from the
Time Management traditional mode of learning provides a higher delivery • Blended learning moves individual learning activities to a
consistency and effective knowledge transfer, hence self-directed format, allowing the classroom instructor to
The ability to understand and digest all the information focus on those activities that require collaboration,
making it an ideal alternative learning mode for students
offered through the guidance of facilitators is a basic observation or one-on-one mentoring.
looking to gain qualifications from internationally-
prerequisite for all learners. However what sets ordinary • a blended approach can enable instructors to know the
recognised world class universities and education
students apart from successful e-Learners is the ability to skills of their students prior to class attendance.
institutions from the comfort of home.
set aside time for studies amidst work and family • Blended learning is designed to raise the level of learning
commitments. This can only be done through proper time retention and to provide learners with materials they can
management reuse after the class, providing a richer learning
experience.
• The technology-based activities can reach beyond the
traditional classroom to include an international audience,
resulting in an additional level of richness in class Considerations for Blended Learning skill driven learning-which combines self-paced learning
participation and collaboration. with instructor or facilitator support to develop specific
• The instructor-led portion of the blend will limit class Decision components for Blended Solutions knowledge and skills
sizes to ensure that all students get access to hands-on
labs and to provide ample opportunities to ask questions • Audience – What do I know about my learners? attitude-driven learning- which mixes various events and
of the instructors, while the self-paced and mentored • Learning Outcomes – What do I want learners to be able
delivery media to develop specific behaviors
activities can reach an unlimited number of students. to do?
• Content – Which learning activity would be best competency-driven learning- Which blends performance
Benefits of Using Blended learning Approach accomplished by which delivery method? support tools with knowledge management resources and
• Context – What other issues unique to this context mentoring to develop workplace competencies.
To the teacher/trainer & the school/organization: should I consider?
• Infrastructure – Are there barriers to technology-based Skill-Driven Blended Learning Pla
• enables you to select a learning solution that yields your delivery?
desired learning/training results • Organization – Is the organization ready and supportive
of blended options?
• When used appropriately, e-learning and human
interaction together can reduce overall costs

and optimize human retention, thus maximizing the overall

Attitude-Driven Blended Learning Plan
effectiveness of the training

• (Cost is still an issue and a tradeoff)

To the students/trainees:

• Exposure to a variety of methods and strategies that will

reinforce learning

• Allows more student contact with the learning content

and engagement with the technology

Top ten learning requirements that can optimally be met

through a blended approach:

• 1 Close a specific knowledge and skill gap Blended Learning Models

• 2 Improve productivity and/or job performance
• 3 Reduce errors on the job
• 4 Train a specified number of people in the desired time
frame, resulting in equivalent exit skills
• 5 Accommodate participant schedules, geographies and
learning preferences
• 6 Balance direct access to skilled subject matter experts
with just-in-time training and reference materials
• 7 Reduce training time and travel cost
• 8 Reduce cost per training hour
• 9 Provide access to targeted expertise from experienced
mentors and IT staff
• 10 Provide 24x7 access to the learning content and
activities
Competency-Driven Blended Learning Plan • and training resource management (e.g.,
instructors, facilities, equipment)
What do we have right now?
Other features:
• Human Resource - SMEs of their fields of specialization
• Library & MMC • Web-based to facilitate access to learning
• Computers (for instructional materials development) content and administration.
• Internet (email & email groups, FSMS, instant messaging, • Used by regulated industries (e.g. financial
chatrooms, newsgroups & discussion services and biopharma) for compliance training.
groups, downloads & other web-based information
sources)
• Telephone
• Mobile phone & SMS/MMS LMS Capability
• Bulletin boards & other printed message delivery system
• ICT unit for technical support • centralize and automate administration
• use self-service and self-guided services
LESSON 4: LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM • assemble and deliver learning content rapidly
• consolidate training initiatives on a scalable web-
SIX TYPES OF BLENDED LEARNING What is a Learning Management System (LMS)? based
• platform
 It is a software application for the administration, • support portability and standards
documentation, tracking, and reporting of • personalize content and enable knowledge
training reuse.
 programs, classroom and online events, e-
learning programs, and training content. Product Features of an LMS based on Functional
Requirements
LMS systems- managing training and educational records,
software for distributing courses over the Internet with Integration with HR. LMSs that aren't synchronized with
features for online collaboration. HR systems miss the boat. When systems are integrated, a
human resources employee can enter a new hire's
information into the HR system, and the employee is
Dimensions of LMS automatically signed up for training tailored to his or her
role within the company.
• record-keeping and
employee Administration tools. The LMS must enable administrators
registration. to manage user registrations and profiles, define roles, set
• Student self-service curricula, chart certification paths, assign tutors, author
• training workflow courses, manage content, and administer internal budgets,
• the provision of on- user payments, and charge backs. Administrators need
line learning complete access to the training database, enabling them to
• on-line assessment, create standard and customized reports on individual and
management of group performance. Reports should be scalable to include
continuous the entire workforce. The system should also be able to
professional build schedules for learners, instructors, and classrooms.
education (CPE), Most important, all features should be manageable using
• collaborative automated, user-friendly interfaces.
learning
Content access. This involves the medium (e.g., classroom, Configurability. If an organization needs to completely Many users of Sakai deploy it to support teaching and
CD-ROM, online, etc.) in which the content is delivered, reengineer its internal processes to install an LMS or learning, ad hoc group collaboration, support for portfolios
the method (e.g., instructor-led, selfpaced, blended) in employ expensive programming resources to make and research collaboration. Sakai is built and maintained
which the content is delivered, the languages in which the changes to the LMS, then it’s probably not a good fit. Also, by the Sakai community, which is actively developing new
content is delivered and to whom the content is being it's helpful if IT and designers can access the LMS behind Sakai tools. URL: www.sakaiproject.org
delivered (e.g., employees, customers, partners, etc.) the scenes; they need to set processes and standards
based on company policy. To make some systems ITand LMS Offering Limited Free Services
Content development. Content development user-friendly, some LMS providers have user groups or
encompasses authoring, maintaining, and storing the Edu2.0 is a copyrighted software but offers limited free
customer advisory councils that provide insight into LMS services with the following available features among
learning content. This is where the issues of authoring-tool installing or upgrading systems.
compatibility, version control, and re-usable learning others: Cloudhosted, mobile, certification, collaboration,
objects are considered. Dashboards, Content Authoring and Navigation,
Assessment, Curricula and Proficiencies, Grade Book,
Content integration. It's important for an LMS to provide Security. Security is a priority in any data system Analytics and Reporting, Social Networking, Customizable
native support to a wide range of third-party courseware. containing employee information and proprietary content. & Class Catalog.
When shopping for an LMS, keep in mind that some LMSs Security measures typically include passwords and
are compatible only with the supplier's own courseware, encryption. LESSON 5: DISTANCE LEARNING
and others do little more than pay lip-service to learning What is Distance Education? - takes place when a teacher
content standards. An LMS supplier should be able to Costs and pricing models. When you shop for an LMS,
you’ll find that there are a number of pricing models and and student(s) are separated by physical distance, and
certify that third-party content will work within their technology (i.e., voice, video, data, and print), often in
system, and accessing courses should be as easy as using a options. Ultimately, it comes down to whether you want
the LMS hosted or installed. concert with face-to-face communication, is used to bridge
drop-down menu. the instructional gap. These types of programs can provide
Skills management. Skill assessment and management Direct purchase model. The software is purchased, adults with a second chance at a college education, reach
capabilities revolve around learners assessing their installed, and managed in-house. those disadvantaged by limited time, distance or physical
competency gaps. Skills assessments can be culled from disability, and update the knowledge base of workers at
Third-party maintenance model. The company buys the their places of employment.
multiple sources, including peer reviews and 360-feedback software and installs it on its own data platform, but the
tools. Managers must be able to determine whether maintenance and upgrades are managed by the LMS • Takes place when the instructor and student are
results are weighted, averaged, or compared to determine vendor or another third party. not in the same room but instead are separated
a skill gap. Businesses also might use this feature to search by physical distance.
their employee base for specialized skills. Software as a Service (SaaS) model. the company buys the • It is a flexible form of education because it
software, but it is housed and managed remotely by a third creates options in terms of where and when to
Assessment capabilities. It's a good idea to have an party and administrators, content builders, instructors, and
assessment feature that enables authoring within the learn.
learners access the system over the Internet. • According to U.S. Distance Learning Association
product and includes assessments as part of each course.
Evaluation, testing, and assessment engines help LMS Open Source Providers (USDLA 2003) it is defined as “The acquisition of
developers build a program that becomes more valuable knowledge and skills through mediated
over time. Moodle is a free, open source course management system information and instruction.”
(CMS) used by educators. You can download and use it on • It is form of education characterized through:
Adherence to standards. An LMS should attempt to any computer you have handy (including webhosts), yet it
support standards, such as SCORM. Support for standards can scale from a single-teacher site to a university with ✓ Physical separation of learners form students
means that the LMS can import and manage content and 200,000 students. Moodle has a large and diverse user
✓ An organized instructional program
courseware that complies with standards regardless of the community with more than 330,000 registered users,
authoring system that produced it. Beware: Unless the speaking over 70 languages in 196 countries. ✓ Technological media
supplier certifies that the content will work on your LMS,
plan on additional expenses. Sakai is a free and open source product that can be used
to create online collaboration and learning environments.
✓ Two-way communication outside of class working individually with the no set times for lessons so it is up to the student to set
material, doing homework, project, papers and aside time for studying. This should include a regularly
etc. The external learning resources may take the scheduled time when the student is mentally prepared and
Distance Education following forms: can devote the required amount of time to the lesson and
a. Printed materials the work without being disturbed.
• Term that is used interchangeably with Distance b. Audiovisual materials
Learning c. Computer databases Where to Study- Finding correct and suitable
d. Kits circumstances for studying is important. Distractions
Distributed Education prevent students from acquiring necessary knowledge. The
e. Library Materials
• It is often used to describe where courses are distance-learning student should choose a place such as a
taught online and collaborative and “virtual quiet room in the student's house, the library, or even the
interaction” among students in the same course student's work place, before or after working hours. It is
is encouraged. important for the student to be able to devote enough
time free from distractions to complete the necessary
studying.
Instructional Communication Functions ADVANTAGES of Distance Learning
Reading and Writing Skills- Reviewing what has been read
1. Information presentation - Cost efficiency immediately after reading it will help the student retain
- A standard of element in any lesson is the - Audiovisual capacity what has been read. Create reading summarization review
presentation of some sort of information to the - Two-way possibilities sheets to keep track of such things as main points, how
learner, the following are the common examples: - Online possibilities these points are tested, how persuasive the article is, and
a. Teacher lecture and demonstration the reader's general opinions on the material.
LIMITATIONS of Distance Learning
b. Printed text and illustrations
Communication Skill- Good communication skills start
c. Live or recorded voice, music, and sounds - Cost of two-way with paying close attention to the instructions and
d. Full motion images - Facilities for two-way understanding what is being asked.
2. Student activity - Isolation
- Learning takes place when learners are - Technical Problems How is Distance Education Delivered?
participating actively the mental process of - Inexperience
materials teacher’s attempts to induce activity in - Reluctance Voice - Instructional audio tools include the interactive
various ways such as the following: - Connectivity technologies of telephone, audioconferencing, and short-
a. Question and answer sessions wave radio. Passive (i.e., one-way) audio tools include
b. Practice with feedback The Essentials tapes and radio.
c. Testing
Equipment- Probably the most important consideration for Video - Instructional video tools include still images such
3. Student-student and student-teacher
online distance learning is the speed of the user's as slides, pre-produced moving images (e.g., film,
interaction
connection to the Internet. To fully benefit from the vast videotape), and real-time moving images combined with
- In many educational objectives, student
amount of audio, video, and graphical content, investment audioconferencing (one-way or two-way video with two-
interaction with other students, in pairs or small
in a broadband connection will make studying faster, more way audio).
groups, can be effective. Some common ways of
enjoyable, and more productive. Other equipment
structuring student interaction are the following: Data - Computers send and receive information
essential to this type of learning would be a relatively new
a. Discussion groups electronically. For this reason, the term "data" is used to
computer with the necessary software (especially a good
b. Structured group activities describe this broad category of instructional tools.
word processor, adequate hard disk space and RAM, and
c. Group projects Computer applications for distance education are varied
updated Web browsers and plug-ins).
d. Peer tutoring and include:
4. Access to learning resources Scheduling- Time management may be the most
- Lessons and courses are usually structured with overlooked aspect of distance learning. Usually, there are
the assumption that learners will spend time
 • Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) - uses the myriad details required for program success are dealt with
computer as a self-contained teaching machine effectively.
to present individual lessons.
• Computer-managed instruction (CMI) - uses the Administrators - Although administrators are typically
computer to organize instruction and track influential in planning an institution's distance education
student records and progress. The instruction program, they often lose contact or relinquish control to
itself need not be delivered via a computer, technical managers once the program is operational.
although CAI is often combined with CMI. Effective distance education administrators are more than
• Computer-mediated education (CMC) - describes idea people.
computer applications that facilitate the delivery
of instruction. Examples include electronic mail,
fax, real-time computer conferencing, and
World-Wide Web applications.
• Computer-Based Multimedia – computer
generated audio-visual aids, instructional videos,
electronic presentations

Print - is a foundational element of distance education

programs and the basis from which all other delivery
systems have evolved. Various print formats are available
including: textbooks, study guides, workbooks, course
syllabi, and case studies.

Key Players in Distance Education

Students - Meeting the instructional needs of students is

the cornerstone of every effective distance education
program, and the test by which all efforts in the field are
judged. Regardless of the educational context, the primary
role of the student is to learn.

Faculty - The success of any distance education effort rests

squarely on the shoulders of the faculty. In a traditional
classroom setting, the instructor's responsibility includes
assembling course content and developing an
understanding of student needs.

Facilitators - The instructor often finds it beneficial to rely

on a site facilitator to act as a bridge between the students
and the instructor. To be effective, a facilitator must
understand the students being served and the instructor's
expectations. Most importantly, the facilitator must be
willing to follow the directive established by the teacher.

Support Staff - These individuals are the silent heroes of

the distance education enterprise and ensure that the