by Distance Learning

Media, Information and Communication Technologies

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Which will I use?

"There is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ technology for distance education. Each medium and each technology for teaching and learning it has its own strengths and weaknesses. One of the worst mistakes ... an instructor can make is to become dogmatically committed to ... a single medium. The technology selection process should be undertaken for each course and media selection for each objective, since they all have different requirements depending on the objectives, learners and learning environment. "

(Moore, M. G., & Kearsley, G. (2012). Distance Education: A systems view of online learning. (3rd ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, p. 96.)

A range of media and technologies is available for use in your distance course. The continuum of choices encompasses:

  • print-based materials (course outline/administration guide and set of readings) supported by block-course contact teaching;
  • print-based courses supported by audio, web (Zoom), or video-conferencing;
  • print-based courses supported by Blackboard or Moodle (messages, discussion forums, and chat rooms or other online learning environments);
  • predominantly online courses supported by some print and/or block course teaching;
  • wholly online teaching via Blackboard or Moodle or other online learning management system (LMS);
  • a combination of any of the above, augmented by DVDs;
  • a combination of any of the above, in addition to clinical or other practical, and work-based components.

 The range of digital technologies available to support your teaching can seem bewildering. The following website is designed to help you make wise choices from the possibilities: otago.ac.nz/elearningtoolbox.

 One of the most comprehensive, yet readable, books on this topic is Technology, eLearning and Distance Education (2nd ed.) by A.W. (Tony) Bates, (Routledge, New York, 2005).

 An online resource published in 2010 by the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) provides a very clear overview of technology alternatives and the kinds of teaching strategy that each technology supports best. The resource is called An Instructional Media Selection Guide for Distance Learning and it is available for downloading at: usdla.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/AIMSGDL_2nd_Ed_styled_010311.pdf.