Asynchronous Distance Learning

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Asynchronous Distance Learning

• Content Carole Kilcher, M.A.
• Associate Professor
• Adjunct, Communication Department
• Nebraska Wesleyan University
• PowerPoint Kristin Hermsen,
• SEA Student Coordinator for the Training Modules

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Objectives

• After this session, members of the audience will
  be able to
• 1. Compare and contrast asynchronous and
  synchronous distance learning.
• 2. Distinguish between a course that is web
  enhanced and one which is delivered totally over
  the web.
• 3. Define course management systems and site two
  examples.
• 4. Integrate learning strategies such
  asWebQuests and on-line gaming into lesson
  plans for a face-to-face class or totally on-line
  course.
• 5. Identify two or more on-line assessment
  methods.

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Synchronous Learning Defined

• Synchronous learning occurs when the parties
  share the same space and or time for learning.
• Face-to-face classroom
• Video conferencing
• Telephone conferencing
• Instant Messaging/Chat rooms
• Live educational television

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Asynchronous Learning Defined
Asynchronous learning occurs anytime from
anywhere and is not dependent on parties in the
same learning network to share the same time or
space.

• E-mail
• Fax
• Educational Videos
• CD ROM/Software
• Voice Mail

• Correspondence Course
• Listserv
• Course Management Systems (World Wide Web)
• Books on tape
• Discussion Board

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The Team

• Student
• Faculty
• Technical support staff
• Administration

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The Equipment

• Computer with a Pentium processor or higher
• 56 modem or higher
• Dial up or direct connection to the World Wide
  Web
• Speakers if sound is being used
• Variety of plug-ins
• Course Management Software
• Other to meet the standards of the Virtual School

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Web Enhanced Course vs. Totally On-line Course

• A web enhanced course is a face to face class
  with teacher and students in the same room
  (synchronous learning) but where documents and
  some assignments might be on a pass-word
  protected web site dedicated to that course

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Totally On-line (Virtual)

• A totally on-line course uses a variety of
  on-line tools to reach the objectives of the
  course. Students log on from anywhere anytime
  and will have access to a certified teacher
  through the discussion board, chat or telephone
  conferencing.

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Textbook Publishers

• Textbook Adoptions and Digital Supplements
  CD-Rom video-audio clips, eTransparencies, Power
  Point Slide lectures, and WebSites.
• Pass-Word Protected Web Resources
• Chapter Objectives
• Chapter Outline
• On-line quiz
• On-line flashcards and more.

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Course Management Systems (CMS)

• Course Management Systems (CMS), sometimes
  called courseware, are web-based software
  programs that provide online versions of class
  rosters, course outlines, assignments,group
  discussions, quizzes, and grade books.
• --Chronicle of Higher Education (on-line)
  December 21, 2001

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Top Commercial Contenders

• WebCT which was developed by Murray Goldberg,
  faculty at UBC.
• More robust, more functions and more complex than
  Blackboard.
• Blackboard which was developed by seven
  undergraduate students who helped design a
  website for one of their professors at Cornell
  University.
• Easier for faculty to learn/use. Limited in
  functions.

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From Free to For-Profit

• Dollar amounts are subject to change
• While once free small institutions pay from
  5,000-7,000.00 a year for their license based
  upon enrollment. Larger institutions can pay
  between 30,000-50,000.00
• K-12 schools are becoming more aware of course
  management systems.

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Identifying WebCT and Blackboard

• Both course management systems use password
  protected sites one can access on a computer from
  anywhere there is web access.
• Both WebCT and Blackboard have distinctive looks
  based upon the way their homepage is arranged and
  the variety of icons available to student and
  teacher.

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Example of WebCT Homepage

• http//www.rh.cc.ca.us/online/orientation6.htm

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Example of Blackboard Homepage

• http//job.nebrwesleyan.edu88/bin/common/course.p
  l?course_id_1690_1frametop

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Blackboard with Graphics and Sound Added

• http//www.class.com
• Full on-line high schools and colleges

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Is On-line Learning for You? One of Your Students?

• http//www.onlinelearning.net/OLE/holwdemo.html?s
  527.50300523f.0237317b20

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WebQuests

• Bernie Dodge is what Id call the father of the
  WebQuest movement. Simply put, a WebQuest is a
  teacher-developed scenario that uses a variety of
  internet sites which students explore to
  accomplish the task set up by the teacher.
• WebQuests can last a class period or be assigned
  over a longer period of time.
• Popular in K-12 classrooms to keep kids safe
  on the net.
  

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WebQuests Contd.

• WebQuest homepage
• http//webquest.sdsu.edu/
• NE Educational Service Unit 3s WebQuest On-line
  Video Tutorial
• by Bill Menousek
• http//www.esu3.org/interactive/onlinetutorials/

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Educational On-line Games

• http//www.FunBrain.com

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On-line Assessment

• Pre-post quizzing and testing with immediate
  feedback.
• Papers exchanged via file-sharing feature such as
  digital drop box in Blackboard or student
  locker in WebCT.
• Using Track Changes and Comments features in
  word documents.
• Proctored on-line tests using attached file
  feature by the proctor.

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Assessment Contd.

• Require a writing sample during the first week of
  class and keep on record for comparison purposes.
• Give points/point value to content and required
  frequency of student posts and responses to other
  students reflection within the discussion area.
• Give timed, oral exams in live chat. Chats are
  recorded/archived for later analysis.
• Spot checks via telephone call from teacher to
  student.
• Etc.