open and distance education technologies

Research open and distance learning technologies I discovered that there are two types of open and distance learning technologies, synchronous learning and asynchronous learning.  Synchronous learning denotes to which all students take part in the class at the same time.   Some examples of this type of learning is having students watch a live streaming of a class and take part in an online chat using some kind of learning board such as Blackboard, Adobe Connect, WebEx, or Skype.  Synchronous learning is developed to strengthen the student instructor relationship which we all know is a challenge for all students participating in distance learning.  Other tools for Synchronous learning are instant messaging, live chat, video conferencing, and webinars. 

Conversely, Asynchronous learning involves the ability to maintain communication without having to meet at the same place at the same time (Fisher, 2006).  Again Asynchronous learning is possible through Blackboard, email, and chat rooms.  Again, this provides the student to learn at different times and locations, usually without an instructor.  By practicing this type of learning, students can work at their own pace, yet achieve a high level of learning.   

One site I like is Edmoto.com.  The site resembles Facebook and is a social learning platform for students, teachers, and parents.  Edmodo can be incorporated into classrooms through a variety of applications including Reading, Assignments, and Paper-studying (Wikipedia.com).  Students can use Edmodo to post assignments, create polls, video clips, create learning groups, post a quiz, and create a calendar for events and deadlines.  Teachers can also make annotations on papers and provide instant feedback for students. 

Parents can view this site by creating their own account linking directly to their child’s account to see their assignments and grades.  Teachers can also send alerts to parents regarding school events, and missed assignments. 

I like Edmoto.com because of its resemblance to Facebook.  Many students already have Facebook accounts and have a vast knowledge of the navigation through Facebook.  This is an easy transition for them to make directly into the classroom. 

 

A second site I like is Edutopia.com.  The sites mission is dedicated to improving the K-12 learning process by documenting, disseminating, and advocating innovative, replicable, and evidence-based strategies that prepare students to thrive in their future education, careers, and adult lives (George Lucas Educational Foundation, 2012).  The site collaborates with students, teachers, and leaders to advance the field and increase student learning.  I have researched this site previously and found it to be a great distance learning site to incorporate into the classroom to enhance education and learning alike.

 

References

Fisher, C. (2006, march 13). Asynchronous learning and adult motivation: Catching fog in a gauze bag. Learning Solutions Magazine,