WATCH: John Lloyd's TED Talk

"What's Invisible? More than you think"

This is not the typical TED Talk. It's animated and you may be wondering as you watch it "what does this have to do with distance education?" While you are watching the short (8 min.) thought provoking discussion on all the things that we don't see-the invisible things in the universe-please think of the things we don't "see" in distance learning as you read the next chapter. We always think of the learner, the instructor and the content; but there is a large part of the system that we don't see. Think of the "barriers to distance education," listed on page 79 of your text. Think of the technology discussed in the chapter you are about to read that deliver various distance education programs and the technology that delivers instruction. We can "see" this video as part of your course, but can you "see" the technology that brings it to you? What we don't see is just as important as what we do see and must be considered in distance education.

Chapter 4 - Teaching and learning from a distance, "Technologies, the Internet, and Distance Education"

Chapter 4 has a lot of information in it. The authors spend some time describing various technologies that help to facilitate distance education courses or programs. Some of their descriptions may seem out of date to us, but a little research will show you that ALL forms of distance learning are being used in various forms worldwide; from correspondence courses to online learning. Many forms of communication technologies are used to try to bridge the gap in space and time between the teacher and the learner. Some of the most modern approaches are not always possible due to financial restrictions and infrastructure limitations. Remember from previous readings that we can consider distance education as a problem-solving style of instruction and we can consider the different delivery options described in Chapter 4 as part of that problem solving plan.

4.1 & 4.2 will be submitted together as part of a single Word Document (or similar word processing program) following the Submission Instructions below:

John Lloyd's original Ted Talk was not animated. Please take a moment to watch the first minute or two of his original (non-animated) talk HERE. Please take 2-3 paragraphs to discuss your response to the following question. Why do you think Lloyd converted his message into an animated presentation? If you believe there are various reasons, please explain them.

9 Points possible, Assignment 4.1

So far…from what you have read and thought about, what do you "see" as the invisible parts of distance learning that should be considered when thinking of implementing distance education to answer an instructional need?

9 Points possible, Assignment 4.2

There is a list of resources at THIS link that discuss a distance learning approach that stirred a lot of emotions in its beginning stages. MOOC's are not a new phenomenon, however. If we study the discussion about whether to MOOC or not to MOOC…we will see some of the different sides of the distance education discussion. The pieces we glean from the MOOC discussion, will add some clarity to the discussion of Distance Education as a whole.

You may use the resources at the above link, and of course add your own selection as well (be sure to cite your sources.)

Your assignment 4.3 is as follows:

1. Spend some time researching MOOCs; getting to know some of the pros and cons that are discussed in the literature.
2. Choose a point of view (student, instructor, or administrator)
3. Create a short presentation that explains your own list of pro's and con's based on your readings and from the point of view you are taking. (4-6 of each would be a good goal.)
4. Support each pro or con with an explanation and then provide a hyperlink to the source that helped you formulate that opinion.

20 Points possible, Assignment 4.3

20 Points Possible

10 - 4-6 each Pro's and Con's listed with explanation based on readings and chosen point of view.
5 - Each explanation contains a working hyperlink to the resource that helped you form your opinion.
5 - All sources cited in APA format

When you have completed all three assignments (4.1, 4.2 & 4.3) please submit them all at the same time in a single document. At the top of your document you should have the lesson name, and underneath that should be your name, email address, and the date. Your paper should be double spaced using a standard font such as Arial, Helvetica, or Times New Roman. Most formatting questions can be resolved by using the APA Publication Manual guidelines. Make sure you have saved your file with the name "Assignment4". After you have saved you file, go to the student interface and submit your assignment for grading. Click here if you need additional information regarding submission of your assignment.