LT 741: Introduction to Distance Education
DSU - Dr. Lynette Molstad-Gorder - Spring 2022 - 3 credits
Textbook: Teaching and Learning at a Distance: Foundations of Distance Education, ISBN: 978-1623967987
By: Michael Simonson, Sharon Smaldino & Susan M. Zvacek
Course Description:
This course is an analysis of the history, philosophy, design, and evolution of distance learning systems. Distance learning is a worldwide concept and course uses examples from many countries to emphasize institutional, program and course design methods and approaches. The course assumes a system perspective in the analysis of distance education and the distance learner. The carious components of distance learning systems are introduced and overviewed including a) course development and design; b) course production; c) course delivery; d) learner support; e) evaluation of courses and the methods of cybernetic control of both student performance and instructional effectiveness; and f) research and evaluation of distance learning systems.
Summary:
This course took me through the history of distance education and highlighted the improvements and advancements as technology has become a part of our everyday lives. Distance education needs to be meaningful and truly connect the learners to what the end goal is. Although distance education takes place virtually, it is important to still form connections and build relationships between the teacher and students.