[NIFL-TECHNOLOGY:3680] Distance Learning

From: David Rosen (djrosen@comcast.net)
Date: Wed Jul 20 2005 - 07:41:47 EDT


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From: David Rosen <djrosen@comcast.net>
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Subject: [NIFL-TECHNOLOGY:3680] Distance Learning
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Hello Jere and Barry,

On 7/19/05, Barry Bakin  wrote:

>> how are your traditional classes and schools being impacted by  
>> students who are attending regular
>> classes because they can now study online?

Then, On Jul 20, 2005, Jerome Johnston wrote:

> Distance programs in most of the 17 states are too new for us to  
> know.  Administrators and teachers in distance programs complete a  
> survey each June.  One of the questions asks their perception of  
> whether the learners they have would have come to classroom  
> programs if distance wasn't available.  In those states that are  
> trying to deliver "pure distance" the answer ranges from 50%-90%  
> would not have come to classroom programs.  As programs shift to  
> more hybrid programs, with students attending some classes,  
> estimates are lower.

I am interested in other possible impacts  of DL options for students  
who attend classes. It might be useful to look at Barry's question in  
the context of  a continuum of  four different learning contexts  
[ See http://wiki.literacytent.org/index.php/Distance_Learning for  
definitions of the first three of these ].

1. Pure Distance Learning

2. Hybrid or blended learning

3. Supplemental computer-assisted or online instruction

4. Traditional classroom learning or tutorial


Here are some (to me, at least) interesting things to think about:

a.  Students enrolled in traditional learning who have the option of  
Pure DL might not have to drop out of a program, for example when  
their work schedules change or they have to stay home to take care of  
a family member.  They could temporarily (or permanently) switch to a  
DL option and continue to be enrolled in the same program. For more  
on this idea, see http://wiki.literacytent.org/index.php/ 
DistanceAndPersistence

b. Some California research shows that ESL/ESOL students who are  
enrolled in traditional classroom learning, and who also take  
advantage of supplemental instruction, make greater learning gains  
than those who are just enrolled in classes http:// 
wiki.literacytent.org/index.php/ 
ResearchOnTech#Is_supplemental_DL_instruction_an_effective_learning_tool 
.3F

c. Longitudinal research in Oregon (not on DL, but on self-study)  
shows that adult basic education students who study entirely on their  
own without a teacher, on the whole, do as well as those enrolled in  
classes.  However, those who do both self-study _and_ classes have  
greater learning gains. This research also found, as Jere has, that  
"The ability to study on one's own may depend on having certain  
levels of basic skills."  [Presentation by Stephen Reder at COABE,  
spring, 2005,  Reder, Stephen. Giving Literacy Away, Again: New  
Concepts of Promising Practice To appear in: A. Belzer & H. Beder  
(Eds.) Toward defining and improving quality in adult basic  
education: Issues and Challenges. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum (in press).  
and  http://www.ncsall.net/?id=287 ]

Jere,  and others, what other possible impacts on traditional classes  
should we be thinking about or researching?

David

David J. Rosen
djrosen@comcast.net



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