Module 2: Elements of Distance Ed. Diffusion
Communication has evolved a great deal. The face 2 face communication that a student gains in the classroom is valuable, however, the online format lends itself to be more diverse. Distance learning forms of communication are free from any bias because the face of the person is not visible. Also, the sense of knowing that everyone has access to see the discussion, I believe adds to the idea of giving a complete, thorough, descriptive answer in order to be understood by all. Communication is extremely important in terms of the student-teacher since they do not meet face to face, professors must be accessible somehow!
We have moved from radio transmitted signals, postcards, pieces of mail, television messages, Internet emails, cellular phones, 4G capable phones with Internet, to web 2.0 tools, wikis, blogs, Skype, Ning, Tumblr, social networking, etc. Students and professors have a chance to see your ideas and learn from them again and again (as the Internet is a forever record), rather from the face to face discussion you have with one or a small group at the class. Distance learning wouldn’t be possible without a professor that devotes a portion of the program to communicating their learning, experiences, and thoughts with the other learners.
M2 - Yahira's response to tiffany
ReplyDeleteI agree that communication tools are beneficial in education. They facilitate research processes, asynchronous and synchronous learning, communication among class members (i.e., professor-students, and student-students interaction), collaboration environments, etc. In a distance learning environment it is very important to take advantage of communication tools accessibility. Without it, we would be limited to succeed in an online program.
Another point mentioned by you that interested me was that communication is bias-free as you do not link the communication to a face. I am curious and I would like to know what others might have to say regarding this statement.