Distance education is no longer a fleeting idea. Or an experiment. Its value in the learning community continues to prove itself. In the video, “The Future of Distance Education”, George Siemens talks about three elements of distance education that may provide a deeper learning experience than that of f2f learning. These elements are global diversity, communication and collaborative interaction.
I will focus on the communication element has evolved. Or possibly, devolved. I agree and disagree with his view that the communication element is enhanced online. In some regards, that is true. Written communication is enhanced. Many distance programs do no have a f2f component, so all communication is done through the typed word. But most of our day to day communication is spoken. We do not interview for a job by way of email. We do not solve our daily issues and problems at work through a asynchronous chat. Most problem solving is done in real time, either f2f or, at a minimum, through the use of teleconferencing technology.
The flip side to this is many introverted people feel right at home in this environment. Those that are shy in public speaking situations are now allowed to communicate in a non-threatening environment in the distance education environment. And the extrovert cannot dominate the conversation, as he/she may be used to doing in the f2f classroom.
Some communication tools that are available today that are used to facilitate communication amongst learners are wikis, blogs, chat rooms, texting, and email. With any one of these tools, the learner can take the time to formulate an answer to the discussion topic. Which is much unlike the classroom discussion, where the learner must sometimes compete for 'air time' and may not have time for reflection before answering.
In his blog, found at http://shermansdistanceedblog.blogspot.com/, Joshua Sherman talks about how he has his students blog to improve their written communication skills. And Vicki Davis blogs at http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/search/label/blogging that, for her students, blogging can bring out the hidden author in themselves. And that writing skills may actually improve when using a blog.
Interesting points you brought up about the ever day encounters we have with communication-meaning how we do not solve issues through asynchronous chats. A very good exapmle was interviews and what about doctor visits? I do believe communication means has come along way with the use of technology but f2f will always be needed somewhere in life.
ReplyDeleteDaniel
ReplyDeleteYou bring up some interesting points. I think that writing skills and communication through writing can definitely be effected positively through distance education. As new technologies emerge such as Skype I can also see a time when verbal communication skills will be recognized as well and I think that may also be an effective way to bring the introvert out of the shell as you outlined in your post concerning distance education and communication.