Session 1: Response to Prompts

1. Explain the relationship between distance learning and online learning.

Online learning stemmed from distance learning.  Early distance models used a lot of text-based materials delivered through mail.  But, with the internet and technologies available now, many more types of materials can be used.  Furthermore delivery of instruction materials and student output can even be enhanced through online learning.  Distance learning was used because their was a time or distance barrier between the instructor and the student.  Now, distance or time are not the only reasons for online learning, the ease for teachers and students to share their work and materials with each other is another big one.

2. Discuss the main difference between distance learning and online learning.

Distance learning was created because there is a distance or time barrier between the student and teacher.  But, inline learning does not necessarily always have that issue.  It may be the case that online learning is just a simpler method to get materials back and forth between the instructor and the students and it can also be a good platform for students to discuss and share among themselves.  Distance earning implies that there is a distance or time barrier while online learning does not.

3. List the three types of interaction proposed by Moore (1989) and explain each type of interaction in your own words.

• Learner-content interaction: This is the interaction between the student or user and the materials provided online.  This includes the instructions as well as the information needed to complete a task.
• Learner-instructor interaction: This is the interaction between the student and the instructor.  This includes video conferencing and other forms of real-time communication as well as feedback.
• Learner-learner interaction: This is the interaction between students in the class.  This includes discussion boards, blogs, and video or voice communications.

4. Discuss some of the differences between the early days of online learning and today. Then make some predictions about the future of elearning. Please include at least one good article/website/citation for this item. For example: http://tinyurl.com/8zkvedh

In the early days, online learning was used only as a type of distance learning because it didn't have as much approval from universities and other institutions.  But, with the development of telecommunications technologies it has become more widely accepted and more frequently used.  In some instances, the interaction is even more efficient and effective than face-to-face courses.  Online learning has come a long way and still has a long way to go.  I believe that in the future, online learning will be so efficient that it can be completely done on mobile devices.  I also believe that more and more courses will be offered online and will eventually surpass the number of face-to-face courses offered by colleges universities.  I also think that K-12 institutions will surely jump into the online learning bandwagon in the near future

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