Open and Distance Learning

For many individuals, technology has changed the way we think, learn, and do business.  One may say that had it not been for the internet the sharing of information and knowledge across the globe would be a much slower process.  The ability to reach multiple people in various geographical locations at the same time would not be possible.  It is with technology that these things are possible.  Look at where we are and what we are doing right now, each of us in some way are collaborating and corresponding with each other via the internet.  Many of us are enrolled in a course that is based in the online universe.  It is what we do with these technological advancements is the key to technology successes.  Online and distance learning has grown as a result of technology expansions.  Distance education allows an educator to teach multiple students at the same time in which no one may be in the same physical location (Bonk, 2009).  Open education is creating an opportunity for learners to access knowledge that would originally be presented in a course and putting that information on the internet and essentially at the fingertips of the students (Perraton, 2010). 

One example of distance learning that can be incorporated into the classroom is something that the Army currently uses to train their soldiers is called eArmyU.  The Army understands that to ensure the highest safety for their soldiers, everyone needs proper training.  Additionally, soldiers are given the opportunity to complete college courses while enlisted in the Army.  The rationale for selecting eArmyU is that it provides learners the benefit of being able to collaborate with other learners that are interested or being trained in the same content or knowledge area.  The same exact system may not be appropriate for all classrooms; but rather the general concept or idea.  eArmyU is  common place where all members of the Army can go to take various training or college courses.  eArmyU partners with various universities throughout the country to offer Army personnel college courses.  The courses are done in a distance learning setting. 

For any educator or educational institution, the same format can be followed.  Regardless of where learners are physically located, one would be able to enroll in courses for professional or personal interest.  The learners would attend courses like they were in a normal classroom but the classroom may be their office, kitchen or some other location.  The educator and learners would be able to see each other and hear each other through the use of web cams and microphones.  The educator could present course lectures or hold group discussions the same as in a classroom; however, the learners are all just in different physical locations.  Learners would be able to collaborate with the educator and other students, share experiences, and participate in normal classroom activities.  There is also the potential that the educator is in one location with a group of students and other groups of students via distance learning software would join the class.  Everyone would still be able to see and hear each other. 

The second example of open or distance education that can be incorporated into the classroom is an example of open education called Creative Commons.  Creative Commons helps to share knowledge and creativity with the world.  Creative Commons is a platform for which an individual can share, use or even build upon work that you or someone else may have created (Forward, 2012).  The other benefit of using Creative Common is that the world published on the website is protected by copyright.  Additionally, the website gives you flexibility to who can view your work, such as you may limit your work to only be accessed by non-commercial users.  The rationale for selecting a site such as Creative Common is that it provides one simple location for learners to be able to access information that is posted by educators and professionals within the same field of work or interest (Forward, 2012). 

How Creative Common can be used in the classroom is twofold.  First, the educator can post work for learners to access and build upon.  The educator can start by presenting a simple thought or idea that learners are then required to collaborate on and build upon what was started by the educator.  Learners are able to share thoughts and ideas with each other and can be posted directly on the website.  Secondly, prior to a course or training class, educators can locate content or information posted by others on the website that may be valuable information for the learners.  As part of the course requirements, learners could search the website for content or work that has been posted by other educators or professionals.  This would then be incorporated into the learner’s work or course discussions.  Creative Commons creates a pool of content that can be copied, distributed, edited, remixed, and built upon, all within the boundaries of copyright law (Forward, 2012). 

References:

Bonk, C. J. (2009). The world is open: How web technology is revolutionizing education. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Forward, M. L. (2012). Using free and open educational resources to support women and girls in science, technology, engineering and math. Creative Commons. Retrieved on October 9^th from http://creativecommons.org/. 

Perraton, H. (2010). Teacher education: The role of open and distance learning. Retrieved from http://www.col.org/PublicationDocuments/pub_TeacherEd_Role_ODL.pdf.