The element of how we communicate has evolved. In Dr. Seimens video, Principle of Distance Education: The Future
of Distance Education, he states that there is a “growing acceptance due to
society realizing that they can have meaningful relationship through an online
environment” (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008). This new acceptance is based on
the tools that allow for communication between family, friends, and colleagues.
Dr. Siemens continues by stating that “geographical separation” is not a
significant factor anymore (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008). For example,
people are using video tools to communicate across the globe. Skype is an
online video tool that people have accepted and used to communicate within the
education and business world. Dr. Seimens states that as the “communication
technologies improve in quality, then there will be an increase in the use of
multimedia, games, and simulations” (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008). Dr.
Seimens sees this as a growing shift towards what he calls the triple helix
model of education. This is where universities, government, and business
interact to provide and equip students with the necessary tools for working in
an online environment. For distance education this means, more communications
tools means more people can attend school, and begin working in the education
field with the knowledge and experiences of using these online tools. The
triple helix model of education can help “bridge the gap”, so everyone is comfortable
and prepared to learn and work in an online environment (Laureate Education,
Inc., 2008).
Reference
Laureate Education, Inc. (2008). Principles
of distance education: The future of distance education. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Tracy,
ReplyDeleteWhen I look at this triple helix, I get a little nervous about the government and university pieces because if they start bickering with one another, students will suffer. I hope all three entities can keep this opportunity for distance learning a positive and not blow up the bridge.
Joe Eiswerth
Uncertainty in life makes people nervous, the same goes for change; it takes one off their game. The advantage for most digital natives is that they are willing to try new things and likes to just get in there and start playing with things and see where it leads them. Pre-digital natives on the other hand, like to know what they are getting into and after they are comfortable, just let loose. I agree with Dr. Siemens there certainly is “need to be comfortable in online environments”, my experiences with pre-digital natives points to that, the challenge I see thou is that of building up the courage to want to try something new. Once one is over that, the need to be comfortable usually follows.
ReplyDeleteSebert
Tracy,
ReplyDeleteYour observation concerning the individuals entering the education field is certainly true. When more people who are entering the field of education are using new communication tools they will be comfortable using them either as instructors or as students continuing their education.
I can agree with you that as more people begin to use social media and digital technology tools, distance education on line learning will not seem so foreign. Whatever a person's learning environment, online or F2F, the student must feel safe and comfortable.
ReplyDeleteTrisch