LearnHub

A couple of years ago, I decided that I wanted to learn more about distance learning. My approach was to enrol in a graduate programme in distance learning. Now that I’m nearly finished that programme, I’m finding that more and more schools are relying on technology-based, distance learning initiatives. In some cases (such as Athabasca University—here in Canada), the programmes are totally distance-based and technology dependent; in other cases, schools blend distance learning technology with face-to-face experience. Aside from formal educational institutions, it seems that more and more workplaces are are looking to distance education and technology for in-service training of their employees.

While technology can undoubtedly be effective in enhancing the calibre of learning, I often feel that many educators and trainers allow technology to drive the learning, rather than insisting that learning drive the technology. Perhaps this point of view comes from my own background; i.e., an instructor who seeks to master the technology to support his teaching, rather than a technologist who seeks to apply his technology to learning.

It strikes me that what we were taught a number of years ago about using multi-media in face-to-face classrooms still applies:— make sure the gee-whiz stuff actually supports the intended learning and avoid using technology just because it’s neat and impressive!

Great response, Arlo. I loved your statement that learning should be driving technology. The trouble may be that many instructors (aside from the education department) in higher education have never applied any kind of pedagogy to their lessons.

That is interesting that Arlo feels that technology drives the learning rather than learning driving the technology. I recently read the following report:

Teaching at an Internet Distance: The Pedagogy of Online Teaching and Learning The Report Of a 1998-1999 University of Illinois Faculty Seminar December 7, 1999

I’ll post the pdf when I figure how to do it.

Almost 10 years ago, there was worry about “the commoditization of education,” and a solid concern of “Wall Street eyeing the business of higher education in the same way the health profession was eyed previously.” Specifically, the concern is that education will be forced into the money making business of Educational Maintenance Organizations (EMOs) much as the health industry was “hammered” into Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) for profit. “A conflict of interest arises between the delivery of sound pedagogy and the sale of educational technology.”

It is also noted by those looking for investment opportunities that with online learning we can reach more people with fewer teachers, driving an additional increase in profits. “We need only a small number of professional to reach a large market of students.”

We know this is not the way to educate our children or those looking at post secondary education. I feel that one of the prime benefits of online learning is the small student/teacher ratio, an opportunity to provide each student more attention, providing an individualized education.

I definitely feel we are on the right track, but I do have concern that future decisions may be made without considering accepted pedagogical practices.

If you’re interested in the report, I can email the pdf to you. Just send an email to me.