Chapter 7
Introducing the Internet and
Other Distance Learning
Tools http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-
2316885007811380286&q=distance+education&hl=en http://video.yahoo.com/video/play?vid=1083229740&fr=yfp-t-501
United Streaming http://www.surfnetkids.com/movie/

“The acquisition of knowledge and skills through mediated information and instruction, encompassing all technologies and other forms of learning at a distance.”
USDLA – http://www.usdla.org/
7.2

• Student Research
• Online Classroom Materials
• Web-Based Lessons
• Virtual Courses and Programs
7.3

Ways DL Supports Learning
1. Fast access to info
2. Access to experts, courses, & lessons not available locally
3. Fast communication to groups
4. Communication supporting collaboration
5. Access to learning materials
7.4

Ways DL Supports Learning
• Access to education for homebound students
• Learning communities support collaboration
• Lesson ideas from multiple sources
• Increased interaction among students and between students/teachers
7.5

Current Distance Learning
Issues
• Digital Divide
• Development and socialization
• Positive and negative impact on education reform
• Virtual schooling issues
– Curriculum alignment
– Teacher certification
– Accreditation
– Funding
– Possible negative consequences
7.6

Current Distance Learning
Research
• Conflicting Results
• Asynchronous > Synchronous
• 2 way communication > 1 way
•  interaction =  satisfaction
• Increased dropout rate in DL
• Requires > Motivation
7.7

Current Internet Pitfalls
• Inappropriate Materials
• Privacy and Safety
• Fraud
• Viruses and Hacking
• Copyright and Plagiarism
7.8

Internet Communication
Resources
• Email
• Listservs
• Bulletin Boards (BB)
• Blogs
• Chatrooms
• Instant Messaging
(IM)
• Videoconferencing
7.9

Internet Cybercollaboration
• Multi User Dungeons (MUDS)
– Virtual Gaming/Simulation
– 2 nd Life
– Avatars
7.10

Web Course Development and
Support Tools
• Course management systems
• Site-capturing software
• Intranet
• Electronic whiteboards
7.11

Characteristics of Effective
Distance Courses
• Well-designed and structured to support learning
• Engaging activities
• Collaborative activities
• Interactive learning community
• Effective assessment strategies
7.12

Chapter 8
Integrating the Internet into the
Curriculum

Integration Plan Questions
1. What is the curriculum-related purpose of the activity?
2. Does the Internet enhance the activity?
3. How will students use online resources?
4. Do students have the necessary skills?
5. Do I have the necessary time and support for the activity?
7.14

Types of Web-Based Activities
• Electronic penpals (keypals)
• Electronic mentoring
• Electronic/virtual field trips
• Electronic publishing
• Group product development
• Problem (or Project)-based learning
(PBL)
– Web Quests
• Social action projects
7.15

Integration Strategies
• Support for student research
• Motivation for writing
• Practice for information literacy skills
• Visual problems and solutions
• Development of collaboration skills
• Multicultural experiences
7.16

Website Function Type 1
• Project overview
• Announcement
• Application
Website Function Type 2
Tutorial instruction
7.17

Website Function Type 3
• Information summaries
• Information exchanges
Website Function Type 4
• Communication
• Support
7.18

Website Function Type 5
Display of past and current student work
Website Function Type 6
Project-development centers
7.19

Web Information
Considerations
• Limit sharing of personal information
• Limit photographs and large graphics
• Address web page criteria
7.20

Evaluating Website Design
• Structure and organization
• Clear text and graphic links
• Visual design
• Navigation
7.21

Evaluating Student Web
Products
• Checklists
– See Figure 8.23, p.
278
• Rubrics
– See Figure 8.24, p.
279
7.22

http://pbskids.org/music/index.html
http://ivyjoy.com/rayne/kidsse arch.html
http://www.emtech.net/kidsites.htm
http://www.emtech.net/index.shtml
http://www.westmark.pvt.k12.ca.us/LRCweb/specialtysearch.html
7.23