Moving Toward Dynamic Technologies

I believe that distance education has to find a way to bring class members together regardless of where they are located globally in order to nourish an environment of learning that is individual, group, and teacher facilitated. Hence, based on Moeller's (2008) concept of technology for designing a distant education class, I see myself as having moved past the static level to the middle of the continuum. Having been engaged in four online classes up to this point, I am becoming increasingly aware of the new technology available for enhancing learning in groups, self-discovery, and teacher presence. For instance, prior to these classes, I had not heard of wikis and discussion boards, and although I was aware of blogs, chat rooms, instant messaging and etc., I was not an active user of these tools. However, I have found that along with email, they are excellent as an added resource for consulting and engaging in discussion with members of my learning community and class.

Now that I have somewhat mastered the use of these tools, I would like to take my idea of distance education to the dynamic level with the integration of virtual world classes to improve project management and self-discovery in learning. I would like to incorporate software programming like "Second Life," et. al. for creating a more involved learning environment. I believe that virtual worlds would allow members to engage in deeper discussions, because members in the class will get immediate feedback resulting in on-going discussions and learning.


Reference

McGreal, R., & Elliott, M. (2004). Technologie of online learning (E-Learning). In T. Anderson (Eds.), The theory and practice of online learning (pp. 143-185). Edmonton: AU Press, Athabasca University.

Moeller, L. (2008). Static and dynamic technological tools. [Unpublished Paper].