TeachingToTheTest

Reflecting on Distance Learning

Well, I'm back at the blog. It's been quite awhile, judging by my last post. So why am I back? I'm taking a course on distance teaching and learning, and I need to post a reflection concerning the roles of distance learners within distance education. I thought, what better way to respond to the questions over distance learners than by using a distance learning tool? So I'm back on the blog, at least for the next couple of months. Sigh. I used to be so into blogging; I wonder what happened? Anyway, on with the reflection.
The question I am considering today concerns the just what the role of the distance learner is. As one who has both taught through some form of distance learning (though, alas, not so effectively, I think) and one who has been a distance education student, this is certainly an issue I have reflected upon quite a bit. I believe that the distance education learner has a variety of roles. These roles reflect the increased responsibility placed on the learner, and the unique relationship within the virtual classroom that arises between distance teacher and distance learner.
Certainly, one must recognize that the distance learner is first a learner. As a learner, this student must be willing to explore both new ideas and new technologies in order to succeed. For example, understanding how to post on community groups or create a running weblog might be the first things that must be learned for the student to succeed. In most cases, these students are willing learners. They would almost have to be, wouldn't they? It takes some effort, after all, in order to register for an online course. We should admit, however, that in cases such as the Florida Virtual School, the students may be less willing than we might like.
Building upon that role as learners, distance education students may also have to assume the role of director. In many cases, they mold their experience based on the flexibility of the course and their selection of assignments. For example, they choose what modules to watch, how to present an evaluative assignment, or even what questions to pose to the group.
Distance learners, one hopes, are responsible citizens in addition to being directors. In a distance course that may be far less structured and teacher-oriented than they may be used to, they have to assume a greater control over their own education. Being aware of their strengths and weaknesses and dealing with them is the first step to assuming that greater responsibility. For example, a learner who recognizes that perhaps procrastination may be a problem might develop a calendar that schedules time in advance for them to work on assignments. This responsible citizen must also be sure that whenever necessary, he or she initiates contact with the instructor; it is far more difficult for a distance instructor to see a struggling student. After all, it is not like the teacher can just see a confused face and say 'Do you need help?'
(:/ ) <--student teacher-->( ;-) ) Indeed, font faces just do not work as well!
Within their role as a responsible citizen, the distance learner must also be sure to develop a sense of understanding of others points of view, and ensure that their debate style takes into account the fact that one cannot usually get a sense of sarcasm or dark humor without also seeing facial expressions, which can lead to unfortunate complications in an online discussion. These can ruin the flow of a board and simply ruin the experience for both learner and instructor.
Another important role of the distance learner is teacher! Yes, I said teacher. Many times, particularly in a large class of experienced, diverse students, the distance lesson may wander into an area of expertise of a particular student. This expertise may broaden the discussion and provide perspectives or opportunities for further debate that the actual distance instructor may not have considered. While this may be true for traditional classroom education, I believe that it plays a larger role in the virtual world, especially if we consider that as research indicates, the population of the virtual classroom at the college level may be older, more experienced, and come from more diverse backgrounds and parts of the country.
Ultimately, the distance learner assumes a variety of roles that combine together to ensure a strong learning experience. Working within those roles, and in conjunction with their online classmates and their virtual instructor, distance learners shape and direct their learning in ways that go beyond the traditional classroom experience. In the end, one might argue that the roles of the learners also greatly influence the roles of the instructor, shaping their experience as well!

Labels: On Distance Learning and the Role of the Student

posted by Boston Dreamer @ 6:57 AM