DISTANCE EDUCATIONDISTANCE EDUCATION

THE PRINCIPLES OF OPEN AND DISTANCE EDUCATION

Jenny PangeUniversity of Ioannina Greece

jennypagge@yahoo.gr

DISTANCE EDUCATION

1. Distance Education as a scientific

research area

2. Open, non traditional and Distance

Education

3. Definition of Distance Education

Distance Education as a Scientific Research Area

History 1870-1970 (education via correspondence).1900-2000 (diversity in delivery means). Now more than 30.000.000 adult learners.

History of Open and Distance Learning (ODL)

1. Isaac Pitman:Taught shorthand by correspondence in England,1840, UK,

2. University of Wisconsin & Penn State University in USA 1890 ( written correspondence)

3. Written correspondence followed by radio and TV broadcasts, intrnet (Europe, 20th century)

ODL

Traditional Education (lectures - seminars). Distance Learning (impersonal communication). Face to Face Distance Education.

Definition of ODL

Separated and Non contiguous communication between students and teachers

mediated by print, or any other form of information and communication technology

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in Distance Learning

1. Electronic mail (e-mail)2. Discussion Forums or bulletin board3. Real Time Conferencing4. Desktop Video5. File Transfer Program (FTP)6. Computer Simulation Programs (CSP)

Characteristics of Distance and Open Learning:

1. Separation of teachers and students 2. Influence of an educational organization 3. Need of students evaluation4. Use of educational media 5. two-way communication between teachers and

students (two way-interaction)

ODL is used by

1. Universities & Colleges 2. Schools (Primary and Secondary) 3. Corporate Organizations4. Non-profit organizations5. Government

Learning Theories

THEORIES FOR DISTANCE THEORIES FOR DISTANCE EDUCATIONEDUCATION

Independency and autonomy

Industrialization of teaching

Interaction and communication

E-learning solutions today

The majority presents some serious deficiencies regarding:

a) teaching strategies and content delivery, b) time and pace management, c) interface design and d) preservation of learners’ focus.

Student Characteristics

Adult learners - experience.

Personalization of studying.

Isolation from the teacher and the other learners.

Exploitation of studies - investment.

Problems.

Student expectations

1. Collaboration2. Connectivity

1. Shared knowledge2. Multi-sensory experience

Problems of Adult Students

Technical Problems: Lack of time and money. Distance between university - residence. Insufficient studying competences. Limited access to computers. Insufficient experience of e-learning. Insufficient technical knowledge (eg. Mathematics for

computers).

Advantages of Distance Education

Increases the productivity proportional to investment in training.

Reduces travel costs for teachers and students

Reduces class equipment cost

Learners can do more productive work.

Helps more people for professional development

ODL can easier be to scheduled and also coordinated.

Flexibility to classes ( We can add students and teachers as

needed)

The System Structure and Systems Thinking of

Educational Administration in Distance & Open Education (slides 2)

Notes by

Dr. WANG XiaoMing 王晓鸣 M.Ed CUI YanLiang 崔延亮

EVALUATIONEVALUATION

Evaluation of the management of the Distance Education Systems

Conclusions1. Distance Learning is a distinct research area in

education.

2. Distance Learning have to be with traditional education (may exist as a supplement).

3. Distance Learning can be a necessary supplement to many educational systems.

4. The implementation cost of Distance Education programs can be affordable with the use of ICT

5. Distance Education programs, if managed in a concrete and efficient way, could enhance qualitatively the educational procedure.