Module 1: Aplications in K-20 Education

 

 

Module 1 Assessment

 

Distance learning applications in higher education and industry are growing at a rapid pace. Compelling for thought, it is now possible to obtain a college degree without on-campus residency. Likewise, numerous companies are using distance learning technologies to distribute training courses to employees on a worldwide basis. As many adult non-traditional students are returning to universities, either mid-career, or post military-service, innovative accommodations are continuously being developed. To a lesser degree but equally significant, there are many forms of distance learning that are becoming increasingly common in K-12 schools throughout the world. In fact, "Online learning - for students and for teachers - is one of the fastest growing trends in educational uses of technology" (Means, Toyama, Murphy, Bakia, & Jones, 2013, p. 11). The National Center for Education Statistics (2013) estimated that the number of K-12 public school students enrolling in a technology-based distance education course grew by 65 percent in the two years from 2005 - 2007, and 2009-2011. 

 

The K-20 applications for distance learning include:

 

1. Instruction for Homeschooled Students: According to the federal annual report The Condition of Education 2013, over 1.5 million children in the United States were homeschooled in 2012 (Wilkinson-Flicker, Kristapovich, Rathbun,Wang & Zhang 2013) for reasons related to school environments, religion, special needs, etc.. Distance learning technologies offer a plethora of options for these students and parents. Many are dynamic in meeting the needs of the homeschooled students. For example, Internet connections can provide access to online resources, virtual schools, and videoconferencing with others. 

2. Virtual High Schools: It is no longer imperative that students need to be homebound or homeschooled to benefit from distance learning technologies. Some high schools, such as in Florida, are offering credit courses for students who are home schooled, those who have previously dropped out of high school, those in juvenile detention institutions, and those who need the flexibility to attend school at times other than 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. Virtual high schools can offer the flexibility that appeals to certain students in specific circumstances, while maintaining high standards for education.

3. Instruction for Distributed Classes: A number of school districts, particularly in less-populated areas, are using distance learning technologies to share teachers among several schools. For example, if only a few students in each school need a course, they can comprise a single class large enough to justify the cost of a teacher.

4. Collaborative Projects: Distance learning can also be used to enhance collaboration between students in remote classrooms. There are many projects on the Web that promote problem solving, multicultural education, and community involvement. In most cases, one teacher or organization serves as facilitator for a project. As the data is collected from the remote schools, the facilitator compiles it and disseminates or posts the results.

5. Access to Remote Resources: K-12 schools are often isolated from other learning environments, such as universities, museums, and libraries. Through distance learning technologies, these resources can become available for students in both urban and rural areas.

6. Staff Development Programs: At the end of long days in the classroom, it is difficult for teachers to drive to a university or other facility for inservice credit or to pursue an advanced degree. Through distance learning technologies, the staff development programs can be delivered to the teachers' school or home. Some universities offer entire Master's and Doctoral programs via distance learning technologies.