Fischler School of Education & Human Services

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Assignment T-2

Fischler School of Education & Human Services

Programs in Instructional Technology & Distance Education (ITDE)

1750 NE 167th Street

North Miami Beach, Florida 33162-3017

Programs in Instructional Technology and Distance Education

Assignment Evaluation Form

Study Area (Courses):ITDE 8009

Due Date:September 12, 2004

Student Name:James L. Mowery

Cluster: ITDE 23

Faculty Name:Dr. Gary Anglin

Today’s Date:September 12, 2004

Assignment Number/Title: Examination I-1

Faculty Decision:Next Response Due:

Additions Required

Rewrite Required

Approved/Grade: ______

Below Standard

Midterm Examination

Final Examination

Comments:

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Unit I-1 Examination: James L. Mowery

Examination Unit I-1:

ITDE 8009

James Mowery

ITDE 23, Nova Southeastern University

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Unit I-1 Examination: James L. Mowery

Introduction

I accomplished a comparison of my two favorite Distance Education definitions and engaged in an excellent exchange of ideas during the threaded discussions. It reinforced what I have learned throughout the Nova Southeastern University’s ITDE program and has proven invaluable to me in my efforts to add distance education and distance training to our list of services within Computer Science Corporation.

Distance Education Definitions

My two favorite distance education definitions are from Schlosser and Simonson and Desmond Keegan. I have met Dr. Simonson, but have yet to meet Dr. Schlosser or Dr. Keegan. It is my sincere desire to meet and discuss distance education in the near future.

Simonson and Schlosser: Distance education: (a) A generic, all-inclusive term used to refer to the physical separation of teachers and learners. (b) [Distance Education, Distance Learning, Distributed Learning] The application of information technology (and infrastructure) to educational and student-related activities linking teachers and students in different places. (c) The student and instructor are physically separated by distance. All communications are mediated by some type of electronic means in real or delayed time. Location is of no significance. (d) The organizational framework and process of providing instruction at a distance. Distance education takes place when a teacher and student(s) are physically separated, and technology (i.e. audio, video, computers, print) is used to bridge the instructional gap. (e) The organizational framework and process of providing instruction at a distance. Distance Education takes place when a teacher and student (s) are physically separated, and technology (i.e. audio, video, data, or print) is used to bridge the instructional gap (Schlosser & Simonson, 2002, p. 84).

Keegan: Distance Education is a form of education characterized by: the quasi-permanent separation of teacher and learner throughout the length of the learning process (this distinguishes it from conventional face-to-face education); the influence of an educational organization both on the planning and preparation of learning materials and in the provision of student support services (this distinguishes it from private study and teach- yourself programmes); the use of technical media-- print, audio, video or computer to unite teacher and learner and carry the content of the course; the provision of two-way communication so that the student may benefit from or even initiate dialogue (this distinguishes it from other uses of technology in education); and the quasi-permanent absence of the learning group throughout the length of the learning process so that people are usually taught as individuals rather than in groups, with the possibility of occasional meetings, either face-to-face or by electronic means, for both didactic and socialization purposes. (Keegan, 1996, p. 50)

I liked both definitions for the following reasons: Schlosser and Simonson, and Keegan both cite the fact that DE is described by the separation of student and teacher. I like the increased emphasis that Schlosser and Simonson place on technology. Although Keegan clearly mentions it, Schlosser and Simonson's emphasis brings the definition solidly into the electronic era of today. And, I like Keegan's emphasis on the fact that individuals rather than groups are the focus.

Other Comments

This was an excellent unit and it expanded my view of the definition of DE. The threaded discussions may have been improved by the appointment of discussion leaders, graduate assistant moderators, or instructor comments. There were no chats for this unit, but I think they would have been beneficial. Recommend adding a chat for the next time this course is taught.

Questions Not Answered or Areas I Would Like to Learn More About

1. What is Dr. Anglin’s definition of Distance Education?
2. I would like to examine more case studies on successful DE programs. The examination of successes and failures in distance education provides lessons learned that could be applied to future efforts for my company.
3. I would like to see the results of an accreditation of a DE program and a face-to-face program in order to understand more about accreditation?

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Unit I-1 Examination: James L. Mowery

Examination Requirement

Each cluster member, individually, will send Dr. Gary Anglin as a Word attachment file a one to two page summary of what I think I have accomplished in the particular unit based on the reading and discussion, and provide a LIST of questions (without discussion) that I have not answered or areas that I would like to learn more about in the future.

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Unit I-1 Examination: James L. Mowery

Unit I-1: Defining the Field – Today’s Issues

Module I-1.1: Redefining Instructional Technology

Topic I-1.1.1: Introduction

Topic I-1.1.2: Topic Readings

Seels & Richey (1994)

Topic I-1.1.3: Online Chat in WebCt

Topic I-1.1.4: Text File

Chair, AECT Definitions and Terminology Committee –Al Januszewski

Topic I-1.1.5: Threaded Discussion

Module I-1.2: Redefining Distance Education

Topic I-1.2.1: Introduction

Topic I-1.2.2: Topic Readings

Schlosser & Simonson (2003)

Topic I-1.2.3: Online Chat in WebCt

Topic I-1.2.4: Audio Interview

Co-author, Distance Education: Definition and Glossary of Terms – Lee Schlosser

Topic I-1.2.5: Threaded Discussion

Unit I-1 Assignment: Examination