Distance Education with Computers By: Paul Martin

What is Distance Education? Distance Education is instructional delivery that does not constrain the student to be physically present in the same location as the instructor.

Forms of Distance Education Today distance education can be accessed through audio, video, and computer technologies.

Misconceptions of Distance Education The term Distance Learning is often interchanged with Distance Education. However, this is inaccurate since institutions and instructors control educational delivery, while the student is responsible for learning. In other words, Distance Learning is the result of Distance Education.

3 Distance Education Defining Elements 1.The separation of teacher and learner during at least a majority of each instructional process.

2. The use of educational media to unite teacher and learner and carry course content.

3. The provision of two-way communication between teacher, tutor, or educational agency and learner

Distance Education Delivery Systems There are two categories of distance education delivery systems, synchronous and asynchronous.

Synchronous Synchronous instruction requires the simultaneous participation of all students and instructors. The advantage of synchronous instruction is that interaction is done in "real time."

Forms of Synchronous Education Forms of synchronous delivery include Interactive TV, audio graphics, computer conferencing, IRC, and MOO.

Asynchronous Asynchronous instruction does not require the simultaneous participation of all students and instructors. Asynchronous instruction is more flexible than synchronous instruction.

Forms of Asynchronous Education Forms of asynchronous delivery include , audiocassette courses, videotaped courses, correspondence courses, and WWW-based courses

Advantages of Asynchronous Education The advantages of asynchronous delivery include student choice of location and time, and interaction opportunities for all students.

Why use Distance Education with Computers? In recent years, educators have witnessed the rapid development of computer networks, dramatic improvements in the processing power of personal computers, and striking advances in magnetic storage technology. These developments have made the computer a dynamic force in distance education, providing a new and interactive means of overcoming time and distance to reach learners.

Advantages of Computers Computers can facilitate self-paced learning. Computers are a multimedia tool. Computers are interactive. Computer technology is rapidly advancing. Computers increase access.

Limitations of Computers Computer networks are costly to develop. The technology is changing rapidly. Widespread computer illiteracy still exists. Students must be highly motivated and proficient in computer operation.

Potential of Students using Distance Education The new electronic technologies such as CD-ROM interactive disks, computer bulletin boards, and multimedia hyper-text available over the global Internet using the World Wide Web, can provide students with far greater involvement in the process of learning.

Potential of Students using Distance Education cont. These interactive technologies also allow students the exercise of far greater control over that process than is possible in many traditional learning environments.

Conclusion Overall the effectiveness of Distance Education with Computers is directly dependant to the dedication and desire of the student.

Works Cited eases/whitepaperrelease.htmhttp:// eases/whitepaperrelease.htm