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Research
and Distance Education
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Distance Education Media (continued)
Fourth Generation - Multiple technologies including the beginning of high-bandwidth and wireless communication technologies (ex: desktop videoconferencing via terrestrial, satellite, cable and phone technologies, wireless networks and devices).
Although third and fourth generation technologies are rapidly being adopted by distance educators, first and second generation technologies are still being utilized alone, or in conjunction with newer communication technologies. For example, Telecourses (PBS courses) are now being supplemented by companion web sites that include opportunities for increased interaction.
The third and fourth generation media's capacity to offer increased opportunities for interactivity is the primary differentiating feature between distance learning today and those of previous generations. The authors of this paper believe that the shift to interactivity is forging a new teaching and learning paradigm.
Conclusion
A single lesson cannot possibly cover all areas of distance education
research. There are entire courses devoted to this subject alone. We will
continue to explore additional distance education research throughout
this course through our readings, upcoming lessons and assignments.
Lesson Two Links:
Readings
Summary Slideshow
Self-assessment
Quiz
Lesson Two Assignments
Supplemental Research Resources:
- NEA Distance Education Research Resources
- The Technology Source
- THE
Journal
- The
International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning
- Syllabus
Magazine
- Chronicle
of Higher Education
- WCET - Technology Costing Methodology (TCM) Project
- Constructivism
Online: A Survey Of Freshman Writing Distance Learning Courses