2. Objectives Define distance learning State advantages and disadvantages State concerns Describe and list hardware and software used Discuss usability of software
3. Definition A planned teaching/learning experience that uses a wide spectrum of technologies to reach learners at a distance and is designed to encourage learner interaction and certification of learner (Valentine, 2002)
4. Advantages Disadvantages Economical Reaches students in remote areas Great for non-traditional students Quality of instruction Misuse of technology Attitudes of instructor and student may differ Less face to face interaction Testing is an issue
5. Concerns Technological advances Instructor training Instructor’s role is affected Not suitable for everyone Lack of face to face interaction
7. Computer Windows 2000/XP operating system 1 GHz or higher processor 256 MB of RAM Windows Firefox browser Adobe reader
8. Software Used for Distance Learning Microsoft power point Microsoft word Course management systems (ANGEL) Blogs
9. Consist of a number of individual slides Slides may contain text, graphics or movies Can be printed or displayed live on a computer Microsoft Power-point
10. Usability of PowerPoint Users must be an early and continuous focus during interface design Design process should be iterative, allowing for evaluation and correction of identified problems Formal evaluation should take place using rigorous experimental and/or qualitative methods Design is user friendly and easy to navigate. Design process was iterative and corrected identified problems Evaluation was based upon user feedback
12. Review of ANGEL Special purpose information system Used by students and instructors Allows for many different functions Configured through local area network
13. Advantages of distance learning Convenient Flexible Does not require commuting Can live anywhere and study anywhere
14. Disadvantages Costly No opportunity for face to face interaction Does not offer immediate feedback Advance planning
The operating system is the part of a computer that allows it to communicate with the software being used in order to work. The processor is the brain of the computer and allows for functioning of all programs. RAM (random access memory) is how much memory your computer has available. Windows Firefox is an internet browser that allows you to view and access web pages displayed on the web. Adobe reader is a portable document format file reader. That is a distribution format that allows electronic information to be distributed among various types of computers.
Microsoftpowerpoint is made up of many different slides created by the designer. The slides can contain text, graphics or movies. These items can be ones that the designer imports from their personal files or ones that Microsoft provides in the software. There are many different options for slide layout and graphics available. Slides can be viewed by printing them in paper form or by viewing them on a computer.
Powerpoint is easy to use and navigate with all options easily displayed in tabs at the top of the page. You can easily insert text boxes, change the layout of the page or insert pictures with the click of a button. It is efficient because information is displayed in a format that is easy to read. It can be viewed by many different people, which makes it convenient. You can send a power-point presentation through e-mail, print it, view it on a computer or use a projector to present it to an audience. There have been many different versions of Microsoft PowerPoint since the time it was introduced. Each time a new version comes out the design is changed based on user feedback.
ANGEL is one example of the many different information systems used in distance learning. ANGEL is Penn State University’s online course management system that allows the instructor and student to communicate and share materials necessary for learning. ANGEL allows both the instructor and students to post information pertinent to the course online as well as view different materials for the course. There are direct links to many different learning resources on ANGEL such as library reserves, web sites and PowerPoint presentations to aide in the learning process.
ANGEL is a special purpose information system used to enhance the online learning experience. It is used by students and instructors to provide information necessary for the specific course. It allows for posting of assignments, communication between instructor, students and classmates, online assignment submission, online library access and information sharing, to name a few. I would recommend ANGEL to others. I think ANGEL makes distance learning easier because it is so user friendly. It allows for communication with instructors and classmates and maximizes learning in many different ways. There are no standards or classification systems used with ANGEL that I’m aware of.
Distance learning courses can be accessed anywhere there is a computer and internet access. It can be done at your convenience. You don’t have to drive to classes or commute anywhere to attend courses involved in distance education. You can live at any location and take classes from almost any university of choice.
Equipment needed for distance education can be costly. There is no opportunity for face to face interaction between instructor and student. There is not always immediate feedback when asking questions or making any inquiries about courses. Both instructor and student must make sacrifices in order to get things done at times, which would require advanced planning.
There are several issues that evolve regarding legality and ethics. One thing is academic integrity of the student to perform requirements for the courses selected in the correct manner. Copyright issues related to plagiarism and referencing on the student’s part are also a concern. Liability could be an issue related to inappropriate electronic messages.
Somebody participating in distance learning must be able to work with and navigate a computer and the programs necessary to carry out activities for their courses. A distance learning participant must be literate in Microsoft Office and PowerPoint in order to submit required assignments. They must be able to use devices used for storing files and be able to navigate the internet to gather required information.
The informatics nurse would be responsible for setting up the course management system used for distance learning. They may also assist by teaching a course and helping others understand nursing informatics and the dynamics involved with such.
Distance learning is a form of education that is re-shaping the delivery of education. It is a very convenient way to obtain a degree for non-traditional students. Distance learning is flexible and convenient because it can be done at the learners pace and adapt to their schedule. Itis a great way to provide education to those that are unable to attend classes offered in a traditional university setting.
