The document discusses the significance of theoretical frameworks in distance education, highlighting the need for a clearer identity and methodological guidance in the field. It references various theorists who argue that a lack of accepted theory has hindered progress and decision-making in distance education. The text emphasizes the importance of grounding instructional decisions in established theories to enhance the effectiveness and credibility of distance learning.

1. Theory
and
Distance Education
Educ 635
Fall 2011

2. distance ? traditional
=
education education

3. Uh, oh!
Ugh!
theory
zzzzzzzz

4. ! One consequence of such understanding
and explanation will be that hypothesis can
be developed and submitted to falsification
attempts. This will lead to insights telling
us what in distance education is to be
expected under what conditions and
circumstances, thus paving the way for
corroborated practical methodological
application. - Holmberg, 1985

5. ! Moore (1994) was concerned that the
progress of distance education would be
hindered by the lack of attention to “macro
factors” He indicated that in this area of
education there was a need to describe
and define the field, to discriminate
between the various components of the
field, and to identify the critical elements
of the various forms of learning and
teaching.

6. Lack of accepted theory has
weakened distance education: there
has been a lack of identity, a sense of
belonging to the periphery and lack
of a touchstone against which
decisions on methods, on media, on
financing, on student support, when
they have to be made, can be made
with confidence. - Keegan, 1988

7. ! ! A theory is something that
eventually can be reduced to a
phrase, a sentence, or a paragraph
and which, while subsuming all the
practical research, gives the
foundation on which the structures of
need, purpose and administration can
be erected. - Keegan, 1995

8. Distance education has been
characterized by a trial-
and-error approach with
little consideration being
given to a theoretical basis
for decision making.
- Holmberg, 1995

9. Distance Education
- a distinct field of
education, parallel to
and a complement to
conventional education
(Keegan, 1996)

10. Theoretical Foundations
Theories of education (constructivism, behaviorism,
humanism, etc.)
Theories of independence and autonomy
transactional distance
Andragogy
Theories of industrialization of teaching
efficiency
Theories of interaction and communication

11. What about
virtual education?

12. For each instructional
decision you make on
future projects, always
consider your rationale.
How is the decision
supported by theory?