Distance education is becoming the selection of choice for many learners in today’s society. Siemens (2008) speaks of distance education becoming accepted in society as another means of continue learning. Distance education gives learners the option to learn in various locations. In addition to learners benefitting from distance education, staff and faculty of learning institutions are benefitting from distance education as well. One benefit that both staff and faculty share the benefits with learners is collaborative interaction. Collaborative interaction allows schools districts to share knowledge and instructor experience between the districts and sometimes between different states (Simonson, 2008). Virtual schools are providing collaborative interaction to special needs children because instructors have a better ability in some cases to interact with the students. Virtual schools also provide the opportunity for students to take advance courses that are not offered in their school districts (Cavanaugh, 2009). The ability for the students to interact with other students in a collaborative environment has improved tremendously over the years. The ability to collaborate in a virtual environment was not at the current level 12 years ago. Faster internet connections through the use of broadband and DSL is one of the major contributions to the growth of collaborative environments. The technology is a major advancement for virtual schools since the growth of collaborative interaction from the late 90’s.
Iowa and South Dakota have paved the way with technology for collaborative interaction school system (Simonson, 2008). The districts invested in ensuring a quality collaborative system by using fiber optics to connect the collaborative system. I believe the investment will pay great dividend toward the future of distance education. Collaborative interaction is possible in today’s society by using wikis, blogs, Smartphones such as the iPhone, wireless internet, and Skype. Ferriter (2009), strongly believe wikis and blogs are good tools to use for collaboration.
References
Cavanaugh, C. (2009, August 07). Vision of the future of online K-12 education in the United States. [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.uwex.edu/disted/conference/video_detail.cfm?vid=32190
Ferriter, B. (2009, February). Learning with blogs and wikis [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/feb09/vol66/num05/Learning-with-Blogs-and-Wikis.aspx
Leroy, H. (2010, August 19). Collaborative learning in social networks [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.hillconcepts.com/2010/08/19/collaborative-learning-in-social-networks/
Siemens, G. (2008). The future of distance education. (Vodcast). Principles of Distance Education DVD produced by Laureate Education, Inc. Baltimore.
Simonson, M. (2008). Distance education: The next generation. (Vodcast). Principles of Distance Education DVD produced by Laureate Education, Inc. Baltimore.
agree with your thoughts on collaboration. But have we not been doing this over the centuries of time? I think that collaboration of ideas is essential to the growth of our communities, not just online. Never in my time did I think I would be communicating with colleagues of the same interests online from a distance! I think it is awesome.
ReplyDeleteI too agree with you that collaboration is the "Wave of the Future" in education. I also agree with Joy's assessment that collaboration has been occurring for centuries, but I think that recent (this century...) technological advances have enhanced the effectiveness of collaboration. I know from my own experiences in a face to face classroom that collaborative learning doesn't always occur, even if that's the intent of the instructor. It's usually the same student(s) who speak out, the loud boisterous ones. Everyone benefits from what they have to say, but not everyone can make a contribution. I see one big advantage of distance education is that everyone in the online classroom can contribution to the discussion at the same time. Another advantage is that people have time to reflect on what they will say rather than making a comment on the fly. There have been many times in a group discussion where by the time I think of a great comment to make in a discussion, the topic has changed three times and I would look pretty silly saying anything.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with you that blogs and wikis are very useful tools. I am concerned about the reliability and accuracy of the content. We have peer reviewed journals and such to ensure the accuracy of information. How can we be sure that we maintain the same level of quality in these types of collaborative environments? It's something to consider...
Great posting!
Curt
Hello Joy & Curt,
ReplyDeleteYou both make a good point about we have been doing collaboration for a long time. Technology provides new ways to collaborate. Curt you asked a good question about validity of information on wikis and blogs. Professors, instructors, and subject matter experts must ensure they clarify incorrect information to readers. Readers should look for blogs and wikis that provide references to information provided so they can read and make their own assessment base upon what was in the literature.
Sullus
Hi Sullus,
ReplyDeleteAll three of you make very valid points! If I may, I'd like to share a personal experience with online communication and collaboration that came about some ten years ago when I piloted an email program at a our middle school. It was during this pilot program that I witnessed first-hand the points Curt describes above. Bringing email to 7th and 8th graders wasn't an easy task mind you. I had to obtain permission from the, teachers, building principal, superintendent, school board and parents before implementing, but it was worth it. Students who had never spoken up in class began having genuine conversations regarding curriculum with not only their peers but with their teachers as well. We started seeing students take an active role in their own learning, politely questioning assessment results and annotations on assignments. Student scores increased exponentially. Is the pilot program still place today? Unfortunately, no. A key component, buy-in on the part of the entire teaching staff was lacking at the time. Some teachers complained they couldn't keep up with the constant emails and that it wasn't in their job description to do so. Students patrolled themselves. They knew if abused the opportunity would be taken away from all. In hindsight, I believe my pilot my ahead of its time. There are tools available today that are better suited for online communication.