Week 6 blog EDUC 638 June 23 Distance Learning

In 2013, the technology within educational institutions has become almost mandatory.  Schools are grappling with the different ways that they growing technical needs are and different ways to both use the technology and how it can be paid for.  The ultimate goal is to be sure that students have access to education.

In chapter 9, Picciano writes about distance learning and defines it as an educational process in which the teacher and students are physically separated (Picciano, 2011).  The challenge of connecting the student and teacher is a big problem in cases where the student doesn't have the financial ability to access the Internet or the equipment to connect to their teacher.  There are various ways that the lessons can be disseminated include broadcast television, two-way videoconferencing and asynchronous learning networks.

While many higher education institutions have embraced distance learning the k-12 schools are facing a more difficult task of integrating technology and also determining how distance education can be used with the younger students. (www.k12.com) There are some schools that have developed distance learning programs and students who may be interested in an accelerated learning experience also enjoy learning at home. There are students who have been bullied as well who find that they need to take time away from school or students who have trouble in other social ways interacting with students or teachers who can benefit from online education.

Distance learning can allow students to have access to teachers and experiences that they would not be able to see from their schools.  Schools who decide to enter into the realm of providing distance education to students should be sure to plan for the different hardware and software needs.

References

Picciano, A. (2011). Educational Leadership and Planning for Technology (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River: Pearson.

http://www.k12.com/schools-programs/online-public-schools#.UcfDCz5gbFw