3 Content I. Distance Learning Overview II. Debate Questions III. DL in Education IV. DL in Training (Corporate E-Learning) V. Conclusion & Recommendation VI. Class Discussion
4 I. Distance Learning Overview In a time of drastic change, it is the learners who inherit the future. The learned find themselves equipped to live in a world that no longer exists. - Eric Hoffer, in Vanguard Management, 1989
5 Definition of Distance Learning Distance education is planned learning that normally occurs in a different place from teaching and as a result requires special techniques of course design, special instructional techniques, special methods of communication by electronic and other technology, as well as special organizational and administrative arrangements. (Source: Moore, M., Director, The American Center for the Study of Distance Education, Penn State)
6 Subset of Distance Learning Source: W. R. Hambrecht and Co. 2000. Corporate e-learning: Exploring a new frontier. Retrieved from http://www.wrhambrecht.com
7 Distance Education: US Perspective Distance education has grown to a great extent over the past 30 years. Past – Correspondence – Videotapes by Mail – Satellite
8 Distance Education: US Perspective Some studies show that there is no significant difference between distance education and traditional education. Present – Videoconferencing – Web-based learning – Completely on-line educational experiences
9 Distance Education: Intl Perspective A U.S. perspective alone does not represent the entire field. McLean & McLean, 2001
10 Distance Education: Intl Perspective Terms similar; Practice varies widely Majority World countries face considerable education and training challenges. (Hawkridge, 1996; Patru & Khvilon, 2002; McLean & McLean, 2001) Distance Education seen as promising solution ( Patru & Khvilon, 2002) Key differences between NA and MW – Level of technology – Centralized vs. Localized Educational Systems ( Patru & Khvilon, 2002)
12 The Debate no significant difference Significant differences Janette McDonald (2002)
13 Comparisons Between Traditional and e-Learning Approaches Source: PrimeLearning, Inc. (2001). E-learning: A strategy for maximizing human capital in the knowledge economy.
14 The Real Question? Question should center around usefulness of any/all methods in helping individuals learn. (McIsaac, 1999) Andragogical principles still apply and new methods and theories are evolving. (McDonald, 2002)
15 ? ? ? ? ? The Debate Still Rages Traditional Something New E-Learning Blended Learning
16 Our Conclusion: Things are Changing in Education and Business
17 III. Distance Learning in Education Education is about to change. … Almost everything we know about education is up for grabs: the way it is funded, designed, managed, and even delivered. Source: The New Education Economy, 1999, as cited in W. R. Hambrecht and Co. 2000. Corporate e-learning: Exploring a new frontier. Retrieved from http://www.wrhambrecht.com
18 DL in Education In 1998, only 58% of colleges in the United States reported offering distance learning courses. By 2002 it was about 84%. U.S. Department of Education
19 DL in Education Schools and colleges try to embrace the new technology-mediated environment. – Technology-enhanced learning in a regular classroom – Technology-mediated learning environment Instructor vs. student performance
20 DL in Educational Setting What factors influence adoption of innovative DE practices? DL Behavioral EnvironmentalCognitive
21 DL in Educational Setting Environmental factors (campus culture) – Administration support – System of financial and social incentives, benefits, and rewards – Wide network of support resources – Peer pressure – Availability of workshops, trainings, and consulting – Availability of hardware/software
22 DL in Educational Setting Cognitive factors – Cyber-anxiety – Self-efficacy – Need to re-evaluate ones own teaching philosophy – Unfamiliarity and lack of experience with the specifics of new learning environments and instructional practices to be used
23 DL in Educational Setting Behavioral – Time commitment – Lack of compelling reasons to try new teaching/learning technologies – Personal risk
24 Possible solutions Creating a supportive campus culture Establishing a system of rewards and incentives Resources to develop self-efficacy through computer training and workshops, coaching, mentoring Assessment (does it work?) Communication with emphasis on inclusion
25 IV. Distance Learning in Training - Corporate E-Learning
26 What is E-Learning? E-learning can be defined as instructional content or learning experiences delivered or enabled by electronic technology. Functionally, E-learning can include a wide variety of learning strategies and technologies. CD-ROMs Computer-based instruction Videoconferencing Satellite-delivered learning Virtual educational networks (Source: ASTD, 2001)
27 Demand Rapid Obsolescence of knowledge Need for just-in-time training delivery Cost-effective ways to meet learning needs Demand for flexible access to lifelong learningDemand Rapid Obsolescence of knowledge Need for just-in-time training delivery Cost-effective ways to meet learning needs Demand for flexible access to lifelong learning Supply Internet access becoming standard at work and home Advances in digital techno- logies enable creation of interactive, media-rich content Increasing bandwidth and better delivery platforms make e-learning more attractiveSupply Internet access becoming standard at work and home Advances in digital techno- logies enable creation of interactive, media-rich content Increasing bandwidth and better delivery platforms make e-learning more attractive E-commerce/ E-business e -learning (Sources: SRI Consulting and WR Hambrecht + Co, 2000) Why Companies Choose E-Learning?
29 A Statistical Portrait of E-Learning The percentage of organizations using the Internet for training purposes grew from 3 percent in 1996 to 38 percent in 1999. For intranets, the rate of growth was even higher, from 3.5 percent to nearly 40 percent. (Source: ASTD) Web-based training, according to the survey, is expected to surge by more than 900 percent between 1999 and 2003. (Source: International Data Corporation) A key reason is that online training is far cheaper than bringing in a live instructor, let alone sending employees to an offsite training location. And productivity doesnt suffer as much when employees get their how-tos at their own computers. (Source: Business Week)
30 Advantages of E-Learning E-learning is learner-focused. E-learning allows employees to learn at their own pace. There is no lag time between hiring and training. E- learning offers cost and time savings.
31 Disadvantages of E-learning E-learning has no personal touch. E-learning does not promote problem- solving. E-learning does not allow students to build network. E-learning is expensive to develop.
32 Future of Distance Learning Online learning is not the next big thing; it is the now big thing. - Donna J. Abernathy, Editor of Training and Development, 1999
33 Future Trends UNESCO is expecting the following trends to shape Distance Learning in North America – Blended Learning Solutions – Continued simultaneous cooperation and competition among traditional colleges and universities and new online only entities ( Patru & Khvilon, 2002)
36 Questions What experiences have you had with distance learning, both as learners and as instructors? How do the principles of andragogy play out differently in Distance Learning? How do you imagine Distance Learning will affect your career?
37 Future of Distance Learning Learning is a continuous process of inquiry that keeps pace with the speed of change in business and society, rather than generic instruction based on set curricula. Control of the learning process shifts from institutions to individuals, who assume greater responsibility for developing their skills and knowledge. Technology that supports distance learning makes it possible to customize and personalize content and delivery to match individuals learning styles, experience and skills.
38 Future of Distance Learning Distance learning is driven by market forces, including individual decision-making and consumer choice, rather than by institutional interests. Information about successful and innovative e-learning practices is widely shared and informs the development and implementation of new programs and policies. Distance learning is embedded in a system of other practices and policies designed to broaden individual opportunity and increase economic competitiveness.