Concept Paper About DISTANCE LEARNING

CONCEPT PAPER ABOUT DISTANCE LEARNING

BY HAZEL MARIE D. ABELLA

Background
In the 21st century there is a democratization of information arising from the
explosion of accessibility that
is freely available to everyone. From anywhere at any time, students tap into the
innovations of our time,
interact with the great minds of our time, and participate in conversations that
help them observe and even
create new information as it happens.
We know now that one of the most effective means of preparing students to
become global citizens who
can function and succeed across cultures and environments in an increasingly
interdependent world is
through Internet-based distributed learning.
Lessons Learned
A goal imbedded in UNCP’s 2006-2011 strategic plan was to improve access to
higher education through
distance program delivery. The idea was to capitalize on the combined
experience and knowledge of
faculty, staff, and consultants to meet technology-based instructional needs as
we engage students.
However, the intervening recession and budget reductions slowed the process.
Today, allocation of
additional funds for distance education technology and programs is critical.
Big Picture
Most people see the Internet as an effective and efficient communication and
research tool. Our own
university faculty members are using it to leverage the learning possibilities
beyond the physical walls of
UNCP. They harness online resources in course management systems to induce
students to love the act of
learning as they find their own new knowledge and understanding. Students are
introduced to the
necessity of diversity, a strong work ethic, rigor of content, and the tools needed
to find authentic gems on
the Internet.
Various studies suggest most high school graduates in 2020 will have received
most of at least their senior
high school instruction via online course delivery, according to reports from the
National Center for
Education Statistics at the U.S. Department of Education. Already in 2012, there
are many online or virtual
high schools across the United States, including the North Carolina Virtual Public
School. In fact, 90 percent
of states have online learning programs, according to Edutopia. At risk students
are taking online classes to
catch up and stay in school. AP students who are unable to take classes in their
local school are able to seek
online alternatives. Students who want to graduate in an alternative time frame
take extra classes online.
When those high school graduates arrive at the university, they will expect to
enter a learning environment
for which they have the necessary skills and experience.
Meanwhile, about two-thirds of all new jobs nationwide are expected to require a
college degree by 2020,
according to the national nonprofit organization Complete College America.
Non-traditional students of age 25 and older make up about half of all college
and university enrollments in
the United States today. These adult students need undergraduate and graduate
education to enter,
change, and advance in their careers. For many, work and family schedules
make attending a traditional
class at a university not a good option. Internet classes and degree programs
that transcend the time and
space requirements appeal to a motivated independent learner. UNCP already is
delivering courses and
degree programs to students at a distance without their having to leave home or
interrupt their careers.
Much more development is needed

A U.S. Department of Education 2009 report found key benefits of online

education to students include
increased flexibility of time and location; a new relevance to learning about
contemporary society and
professional and industry practices; easier sharing of information and creation of
online communities of
practice based on interest rather than geographic location; greater access to a
depth and breadth of
resources and information; enhanced diversity and enriching learning
experiences and opportunities for
cross-disciplinary, cross-cultural and cross-campus collaborations at local,
national and international levels;
greater access to equal opportunities for disabled students; and facilitation of the
digital information
literacy skills that are required now in society and the workplace. Add to that the
benefit to schools from
the streamlining of the administrative aspects of teaching.
Of course, there are some considerations such as the access to technology and
the Internet being
problematic; the need for software training; a feeling of isolation among some
students or teachers; and a
sometimes overwhelming and confusing overload of information, how-to guides,
help and resources
provided online.
The North Carolina Virtual Public School courses use Blackboard course
management software to maximize
student interaction in class. Instructors also use video, interactive whiteboards,
wikis, active virtual worlds,
and online discussion tools to engage learners.
Online courses that use virtual reality allow students to take part in more
authentic learning. For example,
Brigham Young University's ChemLab allows students to complete chemical
experiments in an environment
where mistakes can be made with no consequence. Students can repeat
experiments as many times as
needed for expensive chemicals.
UNCP is challenged to provide multiple distance learning resources for students.
In addition to course
management systems, there are lecture capture, podcasts, supplemental
materials, rich learning activities,
virtual worlds, and other technologies for content. Students today expect their
learning activities will
engage digital media content along with technologies such as social media,
entertainment, and gaming.
Students also expect course activities that engage them as learners in an active
learning environment with
access to media-rich content. A challenge for faculty and support staff is in
continued training and support
resources for developing and delivering learning activities to match expectations.
The U.S. Department of Education reports that K-12 and post-secondary
students benefit from online
learning compared with traditional face-to-face methods of instruction. However,
as college costs increase,
less personal dollars are available for buying technology. The digital divide,
therefore, remains an issue in
southeastern North Carolina.
Strategic Themes
Chancellor Carter envisions four overarching themes for UNCP – the new normal
operational environment,
student success, institution of choice, and regional engagement.
Theme number one: Address the new normal. We must overhaul our policies and
processes to become
more efficient, effective, open and transparent, and clarify responsibility and
authority.
The university should be able to carry additional state dollars forward year-to-
year in order to amass funds
for large purchases such as online technology infrastructure items. The student
technology fee should not
be designated as state funding. .

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CONCEPT PAPER ABOUT DISTANCE LEARNING

BY HAZEL MARIE D. ABELLA

A U.S. Department of Education 2009 report found key benefits of online

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