Elements of Distance Education Diffusion:
The element of distance education diffusion I’ve chosen to focus on is the “Collaboration Interaction” element. Collaboration Interaction has really evolved into an essential tool used in Distance Education for both K-12 and Higher Education as well as professional development. Dr. Siemens states that “…the growing acceptance of distance education is fueled by the ability to communicate with diverse global groups” (Siemens 2009). Collaboration plays an important role in this. By establishing a collaborative process among diverse groups of people, the door is opened to expand the student’s learning experience by being exposed to the ideas and thoughts of individuals from other socioeconomic backgrounds and cultures.
Tools such as wikis and blogs have become popular resources used to assist in the collaboration process. I currently work in a K-12 setting and myself and a group of my peers collaborate and plan summer technology activities for elementary students using a wikispaces as our common planning and collaboration page. This has worked out great for us because it was difficult for EVERYONE to come together in a face-to-face group setting because of scheduling conflicts.
Siemons, G. The future of distance education. Video posted to http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=3649019&Survey=1&47=3951732&ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1 . Viewed September 27, 2009.
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Wandra,
ReplyDeleteI also chose collaboration and I believe that it is not only an essential tool for distance education I also believe that Distance education has changed the way we collaborate. As you stated wiki's and blogs are just a few of the ways that we collaborate on a day to day basis with our peers. They are very easy to use and you don't have to meet face to face and schedule time out. They are great!
Sherry
Wandra,
ReplyDeleteCollaboration is essential for success, both for the students and teachers. By agreeing to use wikis as a means to collaborate you are allowing more people to be a part of the project. It allows people to access and be a part of the group from anywhere and at any time. Online collabortion really provides for the opportunity to learn and share anywhere.
Jane