What Is Distance Education?
“Distance Learning” is the technology and educational process used to provide instruction when the student and primary instructor are not physically present at the same time and/or place.
– Arkansas Department of Education – Rules Governing Distance Learning, July 11, 2005
It’s all a game of percentages
Under 50% Replacement Seat Time
– Not a Distance Learning course
Over 50% Replacement Seat Time
– Instruction is classified as Distance Learning
These percentages are the basic format from the Arkansas Department of Higher Education
Different accrediting bodies have different percentages
How Can I Use Distance Education?
Sharing Concepts and Theories
Show a step by step procedure
Learning Terms and Definitions
Preparing and Accepting Assignments
Delivery Methods
Learning Management Systems (Blackboard, Moodle, Sakai, Angel, etc.)
Email
Clarifying Assignment Instructions and Assessment
Use Rubrics!
Rubistar
eHow: How to Make a Rubric
Communicating with Online Students
Communication Types
Chat or IM
Email
Phone
Student Communication needs to be thoughtful due to the lack of contact a student has with the instructor in Distance Education
Preparing Students for Distance Education
Requirements
Computer, Internet Connection, and the skills to be able to use both!
Self-Motivation / Self-Starter
Does He or She have a Success Network?
Technology Plan “B”
Syllabus, Expectations, and Agreements
Explain the process and expectations of online students in the course syllabus / outline
Complete a Classroom Contract of Expectations for Distance Ed. Students
When issues arise, make sure to address it using the Classroom Contract
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate: Teacher to Student, Student to Teacher, Student to Student, and Teacher to Administration