LT 741: Introduction to Distance Education

Fall 2010 - Instructor: Lynette Molstad Gorder

(Back to Themes)

Course Reflection:

This course focused on the importance of Distance Learning.  We read several research-related articles and then created two article summaries and one position paper.  In addition, we created a list of helpful on-line teaching/learning tools.  Finally, we created a culminating unit based on the importance of distance Education.

Course Overview:

Course Description

Theme Met

Professional Use
of Project

Skill Developed
with Project

How Theme Was Met

This course is an analysis of the history, philosophy, design, and evolution of distance learning systems.  Distance learning is a worldwide concept and the course uses examples from many countries to emphasize institutional, program and course design methods and approaches.  The course assumes a system perspective in the analysis of distance education and the distance learner.  The various components of distance learning systems are introduced and overview including a) course development and design; b) course production; c) course delivery; d) learner support; e) evaluation of courses and the methods of cybernetic control of both student performance and instructional effectiveness; and f) research and evaluation of distance learning systems.

 Leadership and Management

-    A unit using distance education was created

-    Unit can be used as a professional development example or for actual classroom teaching.

Leadership and Management were very important in the development of the distance learning unit.  Obviously you will need to be able to lead and manage any distance sites and have very good leadership skills when working at a distance from students.
Constructive Teaching/Learning and Technology

-    A unit using distance education was created

-    Unit can be used as a professional development example or for actual classroom teaching.

 Constructive Teaching/Learning and Technology works well with this unit because students are engaged in a technologically advanced learning experience.

Goals/Objectives:

  • Learn to apply course material (to improve thinking, problem solving, and decision making).

  • Develop specific skills, competencies, and points of view needed by professionals in the field related to this course.

  • Learn to analyze and critically evaluate ideas, arguments, and point of view.

Specific Course Work:

A listing of helpful Technology Tools.

Summary/Reflection/Application of: Research Committee Issues Brief: Examining Communication and Interaction in Online Teaching.

Summary/Reflection/Application of: Assessment Approaches in Virtual Learning.

Position Paper: Online Teaching: A complex Professional Practice.

Here is a Unit I created on Technology Enhanced Instructional Practice: Basic Info  |  Rationale  |  Unit.