Implications for the Future of Distance Learning

In an every changing technological world, students need to have access to the newest innovations to be success in the global marketplace. Many students are taking advantage of the flexibility and cost effectiveness of online instruction to achieve their educational goals. High quality learning communities can help students learn new material in a variety of ways not available in a traditional classroom. As the move towards virtual education progresses, school systems will have to implement strategies to meet the demands of an ever changing student population. Global competiveness is a hot topic across educational forums. Remaining competitive in a global job market means that our educational practices must match or exceed best practices applied in different countries. Virtual learning allows educational institutions to meet student demand for educational opportunities more readily than traditional brick and mortar schools. Inherently, distance learning provides the flexibility necessary to adapt quickly to changing educational goals based on job market conditions. Virtual educational institutions and programs can better prepare students for current employment vacancies because they have the ability to reach more people, accommodate change more rapidly, and provide superior educational options when compared to traditional schools.

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

EDUC 639 Most Important Technology Trends from Interview with HP Executive

I had the benefit of interviewing an executive at Hewlett Packard to gain some insight on technology trends and the role of a corporate professional in the field of educational technology.  The following video captures the most important trends discussed from the interview.


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Wednesday, October 22, 2014

EDUC 639 - Mobile Computing



Mobile Computing

With devices such as SMART phones and tablets, students are not using traditional desktops or laptops to access information at home.  An overwhelming number of students have access to mobile devices and that number is increasing rapidly.  In addition, at school, most students only have access to a traditional computer in a lab and on a limited basis.  With the advent of Bring Your Own Device initiatives, students are using their mobile devices more and traditional computers less.  Programs that are compatible with apple and android systems are popular with students.  According to an article in THE Journal, titled 10 Major Technology Trends in Education, the majority of students use 3G or 4G enabled devices as their primary means of connecting to the internet.  A wi fi connection is no longer required for students to access information.  Mobile computing is the wave of the future and schools need to embrace this technology to make an impact on student learning. 

References

10 Major Technology Trends in Education -- THE Journal. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://thejournal.com/articles/2014/02/03/10-major-technology-trends-in-education.aspx


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Tuesday, October 21, 2014

EDUC 629 Blog 1

How can a culturally-relevant online education model be used to bring unity to students of diverse backgrounds while still meeting the needs of a specific culture?
The potential of technology is limitless.  Online education is already centered around technology.  Online educational models use technology primarily to help faculty and students communicate, but emerging technologies can assist instructors with teaching diverse learners.  Technology can be a powerful tool for educators because it can be used to present information in many different ways, making learning more accessible to different types of learners. 

In addition to using technology to deliver course work, tools can and should be used to research information and complete classwork (McFall, 2008).  Technological tools can provide learners with the flexibility they need to be successful while maintaining common standards for all students.  For example, in an online math course, some students will be able to discern information from an online text.  Others may need access to a multimedia lesson if they have difficulty reading or following written examples from the text.  Regardless of the way students learn the information, all students would still be required to meet general benchmarks.  Providing varied options for students to learn concepts through technology allows educators to bridge the gap between diverse learners and meet the needs of all students. 

McFall, K. (2008). Technology and Diversity in Higher Education: New Challenges (review). The Review of Higher Education, 31(2), 250-251. doi: 10.1353/rhe.2007.0067


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