Online Distance Learning Essay -- Teaching Education

Online Distance Learning Throughout the past few decades, online distance learning has become a prevalent method of teaching. Through the use of technology, the field of education has been slightly altered to fit the needs of both the educators and their pupils, by developing a communication system. For example, creating email addresses and generating websites, where the teacher and student can interact. The development of online distance learning is beneficial to the future of education because it provides more opportunity for students. What exactly does â€Å"online distance learning† mean? â€Å"A type of education where students work independently and communicate with faculty and other students via computer based communication† (Roman, Harry). Distance learning is predominately computer based but is currently being supplemented by television and two-way interactive video connections. The courses offered in the distance learning program range from basic literacy to highest graduate level programs. This unique offer allows students of all ages and abilities to participate and earn course credits. Online distance learning is a fast growing industry, there are eleven distance education mega-universities in the world, and the number is increasing rapidly. Until recent years, this would have seemed unrealistic, but because of the steady rise in technology, society has been able to grasp this concept. Online distance learning has become common throughout all parts of the United States because of the advantages that it has over traditional education. â€Å"Nobody is looking over your shoulder, there’s no commute, and the weather is never an issue† (Bowler, Mike). â€Å"The thing I like best is that you can do [schoolwork] whenever... ... 7. Setoodeh, Ramin. Technology: The Connected Classroom. September 27, 2004, MSNBC. Retrieved Oct. 16, 2004. Newsweek. http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6039076/site/newsweek/ 8. Chennai. Multimedia Centres in Classrooms! October 17, 2004 Kerala Online, Retrieved Oct. 17, 2004. http://www.keralaonline.com/technews.asp?folder=Tech&file=8_704.xml 9. Attracting and Keeping Quality Teachers. (2004). National Education Association, Retrieved December 3, 2004, from http://www.nea.org/teachershortage/ 10. Feistritzer, C. E. (1998, January 28). The Truth Behind the ‘Teacher Shortage.’ The National Center for Education Information, Retrieved December 3, 2004, from http://www.ncei.com/WSJ-12898.htm 11. Krunholz, J. (1997, July 24). Teacher Shortage Emerging. National Center for Policy Analysis, Retrieved December 3, 2004, from http://www.ncpa.org/pi/edu/pdedu/pdedu162.html