CHRISTINA M. COMBS
OMDE 601 Learning Journal
Third Wave Reflections
The third wave of DE focuses mostly on the use of the Internet in DE practice. While I did not have any “a-ha” moments, I learned that most of the theories in this wave focus on connecting people and information. It seems that the Internet is truly changing how we teach and learn. Both Peters and Garrison influenced my change in my original distance education definition. I would change my original DE definition as follows: Distance education is teaching and learning outside of the classroom setting that can occur anywhere at any time using various tools of technology. DE Teaching and learning must continue to adapt to current technologies without losing focus of the mission to provide access to disadvantaged individuals. Teaching and learning can be self-directed or guided by an instructor. Distance education should take into account the audience to which the education is being provided, as adults and children learn differently. I would apply what I learned about self-directed learning if I were still volunteering with the adult literacy group. I would not assume that all adults are equally motivated, organized, and able to learn without direction and motivation from an instructor. If I worked as a DE instructor or trainer, I would focus on my presence as a teacher and try different video recording techniques to keep my students engaged. Something that I found interesting was that the readings from the Third Wave did not focus on the negative aspects of using the Internet in DE, especially for institutions that provide DE by Internet only. But I suspect that research is currently underway and the findings will be interesting. My Internet was down for almost a week and it was a struggle trying to complete and submit assignments.
Second Wave Reflections
During the second wave I learned about open universities. In our group grid, one of the most interesting things that I learned is BBC’s contribution to the OU. As the world’s first national broadcasting company they obviously felt that distance learning was much needed and could be delivered using television. My “a-ha” moment is that I thought that open universities were free. I have no idea of how I came to that conclusion. Another “a-ha” moment is that UMUC is an open university. I enjoyed the seminar by Alan and Tony Bates. What left a lasting impression on me is that I did not know the magnitude of Britain’s leadership in open distance learning institutions. I do believe that my distance education definition could be improved. However, I am not sure how to do so. To be honest, without having a teaching background, I have spent some time trying to understand pedagogy and teaching and learning in general. I am still unsure of what aspects to include to improve my definition. I would possible include information about how de provides access to higher learning to disadvantaged individuals. I do believe all of the objectives are being met, especially learning about key authors and theorists and the systems approach to teaching and learning. Specific skill objectives have also been met, such as collaborating in groups, research and online discussions.
First Wave Reflections
My personal definition of DE: Distance education is teaching and learning outside of the classroom setting that can occur anywhere at any time using various tools of technology. When I constructed my definition of distance education, I was thinking about learning on the Internet. The various tools of technology my definition refers to all relate to computer technology. The first two weeks of this course were quite intimidating. Before reading the syllabus I wondered, “What theories can I possibly learn about learning online? Isn’t distance education a new phenomenon?”. Boy was I wrong. Like so many gen-yers, I was naïve to think that learning from a distance could only involve computers and the Internet. One of the most important things that I have learned so far is that distance education has been around since the beginning of time. I am most fascinated with early pioneers like Anna Ticknor, who helped to pave the way to a new form of education. Stepping away from tradition (which is always a hard thing to do) to help people who did not have access to education is exceptional to me. I have always been a disciplined, independent learner and I am very comfortable learning in my own space without the help of others. I truly believe that my desire for books and learning to read at a very young age has helped me to develop this level of self-discipline and love of learning. I completed my entire undergraduate degree online. I received a score of 67 on the DEARS statement. According to the scale, “I should have no difficulty with distance education courses. I have a pronounced sense of autonomy and self-direction.” I agree with this statement 100%. I am not afraid to admit that this program is much more challenging that I expected it to be. I have been reading lots of material and my head is starting to spin. I worry that most of my classmates are teachers and trainers or they have already established careers in education and I am just a simple homeschool teacher. I feel that my understanding of the reading materials may not be as sophisticated as everyone else. However, I love to learn and take on challenges so I will not give in to the little voice telling me to drop these classes and go bask in the sun. Until next time…