Module One E-Learning Overview C. Candace Chou University of St. Thomas

Overview Definitions Evolution of Distance Learning Virtual Schools: characteristics

Definitions American Society for Training and Development (ASCD) define the terms:American Society for Training and Development (ASCD) define the terms: E-learning (electronic learning):Term covering a wide set of applications and processes, such as Web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual classrooms, and digital collaboration. It includes the delivery of content via Internet, intranet/extranet (LAN/WAN), audio- and videotape, satellite broadcast, interactive TV, CD-ROM, and more.E-learning (electronic learning):

Definitions (Cont.) Distance education: Educational situation in which the instructor and students are separated by time, location, or both. Education or training courses are delivered to remote locations via synchronous or asynchronous means of instruction, including written correspondence, text, graphics, audio- and videotape, CD-ROM, online learning, audio- and videoconferencing, interactive TV, and FAX. Distance education does not preclude the use of the traditional classroom. The definition of distance education is broader than and entails the definition of e-learning.Distance education:synchronous asynchronous

Definitions (Cont.) Distance learning: The desired outcome of distance education. The two terms are often used interchangeably.Distance learning: Online learning: Learning delivered by Web-based or Internet-based technologies.Online learning:

Definitions (cont.) WBT (Web-based training): Delivery of educational content via a Web browser over the public Internet, a private intranet, or an extranet. Web-based training often provides links to other learning resources such as references, , bulletin boards, and discussion groups. WBT also may include a facilitator who can provide course guidelines, manage discussion boards, deliver lectures, and so forth. When used with a facilitator, WBT offers some advantages of instructor-led training while also retaining the advantages of computer-based training. instructor-led trainingcomputer-based training

Definitions (cont.) Virtual Schools (or virtual high school): an educational organization that offers K-12 courses through Internet or Web- based methods (Clark, 2001 October)

E-Learning Fan

Facts About Distance Learning Distance education is expected to grow at an annual rate 33% Distance education demand will increase from five percent of all higher education students in 1998 to 15% by 2002… The reported growth rates (from to ) range from 200% (Pennsylvania State University’s World Campus) to over 1,000% today (U. of Maryland’s University College). (Oblinger, Barone, & Hawkins, 2001, p. 11)

Current Trends 75% of U.S. institutions of higher education now offer distance education courses and programs 35% have accredited distance education programs (USA Today, Snapshots, 2000) Institution with more than 10,000 students (87%) are more likely to offer distance education courses than those with between 3,000 and 10,000 students (75%) or those with fewer than 3,000 students (19%). (Carnevale, 2000, p. A57)

E-Learner Profiles Corporate learners Professional enhancement learners Degree-completion adult learners College experience learners (or the traditional student) Precollege (K-12) learners Remediation and test-preparation learners Recreational learners (Oblinger, Barone, & Hawkins, 2001)

Advantages Convenience Flexibility Availability Time savings No interruption of the job or career Rich diversity (Butler, 2004)

Disadvantages Commitment Time Management Information Management No Instructor Coaching Independence and Isolation Technology Savvy Acceptability (Butler, 2004)

Characteristics of Virtual Schools 43% reported beginning operation in 2000 or 2001 Grade levels included in the schools surveyed –HS, 100% –JH/MS, 51% –ES, 27% –Ungraded, 21% (The source of the following slides on virtual schools is from Clark, 2001.)

Students enrolled, K-12 Virtual Schools

Barriers to Success Percent citing

Types of Virtual Schools Free-standing, funded through legislative line item: Florida (1997), Michigan (2000) Operated by a consortium, state education agency: Arkansas (2000), Illinois (2001), & Alabama (1999) Primarily operated by a unit within state education agency: Utah (1994), Louisiana (2000), New Mexico (2001), Hawaii (1996, e-charter school in 2001), Kentucky (2000), Maryland (2002), N. D. (2000), West Virginia (2000), Idaho (2000, charter in 2002)

Virtual School Curriculum

Context Factors Demographic factors:taking courses as part of regular instruction with a public school. Public perception:30% of parents approved of online learning Educational market force: more for-profit vendors entering the market Technology access: 98% of school have Internet access in Government policies and actions: federal support and state support vital in early stage.

Issues Funding Technology Curriculum Teaching Student Services Assessment Policy and administration Marketing and public relations

References Butler, D. (2004). Introduction to distance learning. Retrieved July 10, 2004, from Carnevale, D. (2000). Survey finds 72% rise in number of distance education programs. The Chronicle of Higher Education, p. A57. Clark, T. (2001). Virtual schools: Trends and issues. A study of virtual schools in the united states. Retrieved June 29, 2004, from Johnson, J. L. (2003). Distance education: The complete guide to design, delivery, and improvement. New York: Teachers College Press. Oblinger, D. G., Barone, C. A., & Hawkins, B. L. (Eds.). (2001). Distributed education and its challenges: An overview. Washington, DC: American Council on Education. Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2003). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle: Merrill Prentice Hall. Snapshots. (2000, April 23). USA Today. p. 1. ASTD Source for E-learning