Journal 3

"Is Distance Learning Effective?" by Jean Kiekel and Diane Stelacio

This article highlights two different perspectives on distance learning. Jean Kiekel authored the "Yes" perspective, and Diane Stelacio penned the "Maybe" perspective. Kiekel argues that distance learning has been shown to be very effective in cases such as Alaska, which has 100 schools that employ 3 or fewer teachers because they utilize the internet to give students access to learning. These students are able to learn from high quality teachers and curriculum to which they wouldn't otherwise have access. Students are also more able to use their own learning styles. Stelacio argues that not all distance learning is equal, and that it doesn't always include the four types of interactions necessary to support learning: interaction with 1) content, 2) the instructor, 3) classmates, and 4) with the self. When it is well executed, however, it can have the benefits of improving writing skills as students develop, post, and revise their work, and students who need it can have extra time to complete assignments.

I have done distance learning, and I have seen its benefits and drawbacks first-hand. It is great to work at your own pace, but this often leads to procrastination. It cuts down on costs and is much less time-consuming than traveling to and from school. But I also missed the experience of having an instructor that I could put a face to, talk to, ask questions and have them answered right away, and get the community feel of being in a classroom and discussing with the other students. I agree with both authors, but I am more of a "Maybe" because I like being in a classroom. But at the same time, I realize it's not possible for everyone and great benefits can be gained from long-distance learning.

1. How do you think the average person conducts themselves during distance learning?

I think the average person probably procrastinates because there is not the constant reminder of seeing the teacher and students. A person has to readjust their mind to remember that just because they don't have "class," they don't have to study. The average elementary school student is likely to forget to study altogether if not kept on track by an involved parent. A great deal of responsibility is put on classroom teachers to remind kids to do homework and tote folders back and forth, and without that teacher present, the child must develop their own motivation. But I think that the average person probably enjoys going online and clicking around to find out what they need to do, and they can work at their own pace.

2. What do you think Stelacio means by "Interaction with the Self" being an important part of supportive learning?

I think she means that supportive learning provides the students with meaningful material that causes the student to reflect on their work. Online learning can be very isolating, and a supportive system can give the student a feeling that they are not just a number or a hyperlink, but a complex learner that is using the internet to enrich their life. I feel that being prompted to create a blog that tells about myself (our first assignment) was a fun, personal experience. I can see how this skill can be meaningful to me and allow me to express myself, and therefore I was able to "interact" with myself.