Asymmetric Asynchronous
Distributed Education (2)
A. Frank, T. Sharon
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Asymmetric-Asynchronous Technologies
1. Correspondence study
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Print-based
Audio-based
Video-based
2. Computer-Based Training (CBT)
3. Web-Based Training (WBT)
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2. Computer-Based Training (CBT)
• Instruction delivered on a computer
without instructor’s involvement.
• Delivery media:
– Diskettes
– CD-ROM
– DVD
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Modern MM CBT
• Multimedia, Hypermedia, and a stilldeveloping generation of powerful,
sophisticated, and flexible computing
tools have gained the attention of distance
educators in recent years.
• The goal of computer-based multimedia is
to integrate various voice, video, and
computer technologies into a single, easily
accessible delivery system.
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Advantages of CBT
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Multiple Modes of Learning
Good for drill/practice/simulations
Immediate feedback
Self-paced
Increased learner centeredness
Multimedia support
Cost-effective
Limitations of CBT
• Access to computer and computer literacy is
required.
• Requires large storage capacity.
• Platform dependant
• Lack of instructor
• Limited interactivity
• Computer technology is changing rapidly.
• Costly development and revisions.
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3. Web-Based Training (WBT)
• Instruction delivered via a computer
connected to a network (Internet or
Intranet).
• Delivery Media:
– HTML (and other markup/scripting
languages)
– Audio streaming
– Video streaming
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Audio Streaming
• Provides audio track for "still" images
such as PowerPoint slides, spreadsheets,
text screens.
• Requires "player" specific to streaming
system/software used.
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Video Streaming
• Works best for “talking heads“; full
motion or high detail stream difficult.
• Requires "player" specific to streaming
system/software used.
• Requires considerable hardware, software
and network resources.
• Number of on-line users can affect
backbone network performance.
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Advantages of WBT
• Facilitates "one-stop" access to up-to-date
course content, assessment tools, and interaction
components.
• Immediate feedback
• Self-paced
• Learner centeredness
• Platform independent
• Multimedia support
• Provides security and authentication
• Provides student tracking
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Limitations of WBT
• Access to computer and computer network
literacy is required.
• Connection to the Internet is needed
• Reliance on Internet and ISP
• Danger of viruses
• Lack of instructor
• Limited interactivity
• Internet technology is changing rapidly
• Lack of standards
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Support Technologies
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E-mail and file attachments
Bulletin-Board
FAX
FTP
E-mail Advantages
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Connections can be made at any time.
Messages sent to one or many.
Complex ideas can be discussed.
Computer files can often be attached to
messages.
• Multiple messages can be accessed at one
time.
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E-mail Limitations
• No pictures, video or audio unless
downloaded as a file or support for
MM-Mail.
• Need computer and mail software,
modem or network connection.
• Response time (to sender and back) may
be uncertain.
• Mail can get lost.
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Bulletin-Board Advantages
• Multiple topics or ideas can be discussed
concurrently.
• Same advantages as E-mail, with more
control and functions.
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Bulletin-Board Limitations
• No pictures, video or audio
• Need computer with modem or network
connections
• Online time can be extensive and
expensive
• Bulletin-board system requires one line
for each connection to it
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FAX Advantages
• Uses POTS lines
• FAX has become a very widespread
format available in many locations
• Easy to use, requires little training
• Text, pictures and graphics can be
transmitted
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FAX Limitations
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No video, animation or sound
Must have fax machine at both locations
Usually only black and white
Some fax paper is low quality
Quality of copy varies greatly
References
• University of Maryland University College, Models of
Distance Education
http://www.umuc.edu/ide/modlmenu.html
• California State University at Sacramento, Distance and
Distributed Education
http://www.csus.edu/iaup/review/html_t/t08.htm
• Engineering Outreach at the University of Idaho,
Distance Education at a Glance
http://www.uidaho.edu/evo/distglan.html
• University of Illinois, An Introduction to Distance
Learning Technology
http://www.outreach.uiuc.edu/ws97/intro/index.htm
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