Chapter 7

In this chapter, I learned more about distance learning. I was unaware that there were different types of distance learning. I basically just thought that it meant online courses, and not that it also referred to the use of the Internet and other resources to play other roles in the classroom. I found it very interesting how distance learning has evolved over time. For example, I never thought that distance learning could be done without any type of electronics at all. I thought it was funny that people used to take part in distance learning through post mail, sending audio or video information.
I also learned about different types of distance learning activities. Though I never really thought about running and online course, I actually plan on using some of the distance learning activities described. For example, I will most likely have students research using the Internet. I also plan on having students engage in WebQuests or virtual field trips.
The text talked about the difference between face to face interaction and online courses. I found it very surprising that they considered the benefits to be equivalent and that there was no overall difference from traditional classroom instruction. The text noted research that had been done to find these results, but I would like to know what type of classes were researched. For example for what ages and what subject areas did these findings come from? Since there are so many issues in distance learning, I find it hard to believe that it can be seen as equivalent to face to face learning, especially for younger grades. I found a few issues to be more likely to affect students. For example, online courses may cause students to have poor socialization skills because of the lack of physical interaction with peers in a classroom setting. Also, for particular subjects, such as math and science, it may be difficult for students to visualize problems and complete hands on work. Finally, I think that online courses are beneficial particularly for students with certain characteristics. It works better for students who are responsible, organized, and motivated, and could have negative effects for those who are not.
I found it very interesting that the Internet was first used for the Department of Defense, and how it has now expanded in such massive ways. As a future educator, I found it useful that the text addressed problems that educators may face when dealing with the Internet and its usage in the classroom. For example, teachers must be aware of inappropriate sites, privacy issues, online predators, and viruses. Another problem for teachers is that it is much easier for students to plagiarize and violate copyrights. Personally, I am not aware of all of the copyright rules, but I think that I and others have definitely violated them in many occasions. It is so easy for students to ignore copyright rules, especially for images. I think that a lot of the information found at this part of the chapter explained things about the Internet that I was already aware of because I have been using the Internet for years of my life. For example, it explained information about URLs, how to navigate the net, how to bookmark sites, and how to use search engines. A lot of this information is vital to using the Internet, but many people are already aware of this, particularly young students. I think that it is very important for teachers to talk to their students about the Internet and the issues that are associated with it. In particular, I think that teachers must stress to students that all information on the Internet is not always true and that students must make sure sites are reliable before they use them for information.
The Internet offers many benefits for education in the form of communication. Email makes it easier for teachers to communicate with students and with parents. Electronic bulletin boards such as the Blackboard that students at Seton Hall use, offers so many benefits. Teachers can contact all students, post assignments, lead discussions, and so much more. There are also a lot of benefits for students from blogging. Like we are doing in this class, students can blog about their thoughts on certain readings. They could also blog about personal experiences, or creative writing pieces for different classes. The text also discussed chatrooms and instant messaging. Though these are great ways to communicate, they have not been used very much in the classroom yet.
From this chapter, I learned about the benefits of the Internet in the classroom, for all different things. When discussing distance learning as online courses, I learned about how it is important for these courses to be extensively planned. Also, the best online courses use collaborative activities and interactive learning communities. It is important that students connect with each other and the teacher if they wish to learn something from their distance learning course. As a future educator, I may one day be offered a job for which I would have to run a distance learning course over the Internet or another server. I actually think that I may consider doing this if I was prepared with the right materials.