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We want to make sure you get the most from your online learning experience, so we've created this one-lesson "mini-course" to help you explore distance learning in general.

In this lesson, we offer an overview of distance education. We'll introduce you to online learning, discuss the advantages — and disadvantages — of Web-based training, and direct you to other Internet sites that also examine these subjects.

Now, if you're ready, just kick off your slippers, and let's go!

Tutor's Note: You've just finished reading the Welcome Page. Each CRG's Online course has a Welcome introductory page that will give you the "big picture" overview of what you'll learn in that course.
 

Explore the difference between distance and online learning Examine the advantages and disadvantages of Web-based training Identify other sites that address learning issues

Defining Distance Learning

Tutor's Note: Need a refresher on some of the terms associated with online learning, such as synchronous, asynchronous, streaming media, and so on? Follow this link to a complete e-learning glossary.

There is an increased interest in technology and online learning these days — and it’s easy to see why. Connectivity is improving for the home user, and "net congestion" is becoming less of a concern as high-speed digital and cable connections become the norm, rather than the exception. Web-based technologies are developing at astounding rates, say experts. There are more online courses than ever before, and many are slick, sophisticated, and highly interactive.

Still, when it comes to online learning, it all boils down to you and your learning goals. Strip away the bells and whistles, and it’s the content that matters. You decide how you want to engage with that content — by attending a workshop, participating in a study group with colleagues, using a study guide to deepen your understanding of a book, or by taking an online course.

How can you tell which option is for you? You have to understand the advantages — and disadvantages — of each approach to professional development. You also have to know yourself and how you learn best. Chances are that a blend of all these options will turn out to be your best bet.

In this lesson, you'll explore distance education and online learning. Then, with this basic understanding, you'll be better equipped to decide if an ASCD PD Online course should be part of your professional development plan.

Tutor's Note: For a list of definitions compiled for the Distance Education Clearinghouse or if you want to read what other experts have to say about distance education, go online now.

Distance Education and Online Learning

Distance education has been around for a long time. Remember correspondence courses, televised college classes, or the time when you and a group of colleagues gathered to watch a satellite broadcast? What about Tele-escuela técnica in Argentina? These are examples of early forms of distance education.

Essentially, distance education happens when a student isn’t in the same location as the teacher —but instruction and learning still occur. "Distance education once meant correspondence study", states Cintia Roman Garbelotto of CRG Consulting. Today, she notes, "audio, video, and computer technologies are more common delivery modes."

Online learning is just one form of distance education. As the phrase implies, when you engage in online learning you must use a computer, and at some point during the course, you must connect to the Internet.

Learning Online

Of course, there are many different ways to learn online. "The wide variety of online courses could be placed on a continuum", writes Roman Garbelotto.

Roman Garbelotto's article notes that at one end of the continuum, online learners find a traditional face-to-face course, supplemented with online support, often referred to as a blended course. "Activities might be posted on a website, discussions might take place online, but basically the course is similar to many others we have taken," she writes.
Courses in the center of this continuum place more emphasis on the online community, and an online class might be enhanced or not with one or two local meetings.

The totally online course is at the other end of the continuum. "The participants never meet physically, and the course interaction takes place through a variety of tools," Roman Garbelotto writes. "There may be a threaded discussion that is organized by topics, often called a bulletin board. Video clips and photographs may introduce the instructor or tutor and the students to each other. A synchronous chat session may be organized once per week."

Would you be comfortable with a totally online course? Or do you prefer some face-to-face time as you learn something new? What about an online course that keeps you in touch with your tutor and other participants? Follow this link to take a short quiz that will help you determine if online learning is a good professional development option for you. (You will have an opportunity to conduct a more in-depth self-analysis at the end of this lesson.)

CRG's Online Learning

CRG's Online courses, in the middle of the continuum, are totally online. The courses are designed for single use; however, it is possible to work with a colleague or group of colleagues if you prefer. Our courses are instructor-led and all "discussion" with other students could be asynchronous or synchronous in nature. Streamed video and audio clips complement the content, and interactive, Web-based exercises are featured in all courses as well as assessments for each lesson.

 We all learn in different ways. As the two lists above show, what works for one may not work for another. Only you know if CRG's courses are a professional development option you'll appreciate and want to use. Some people love the flexibility of online learning, others prefer a more definitive schedule; some prefer to learn alone, others love being around other people who are learning the same thing at the same time; and some enjoy using technology to learn while yet others prefer to use more traditional tools. All approaches are valid. What's important, of course, is that you continue to learn in a manner most appropriate for your own personal style.

• A Virtual Twist on Staff Development — Article discusses how educators use different models of information delivery to improve their teaching skills and personal professional development.

Discuss two advantages and two disadvantages of online learning. Does this kind of professional development appeal to you? Why or why not?

Go to the Learner Forum. 

Tutor's Note: This is a sample site, you will not be able to post there.  You can send your opinion to a tutor and get feedback from him/her. Visit the Virtual Campus to get familiarized with our courses.

• SORT: Students Online Readiness Tool — This site, created for the University System of Georgia, helps students determine if online learning is a good match for them. You can assess your readiness for online learning in six main categories. Based on your responses to questions, feedback is provided on your personal readiness profile, along with suggested strategies for success and links to more information.
• The Distance Learning Resource Network — The Distance Learning Resource Network (DLRN) is the disseminating project for the Star Schools program, a federally funded distance education program. Some DLRN services include: general distance learning information, current research items, course design tools, and online forums.
  
  This completes Lesson 1.

If you wish to learn about other online courses available, follow this link.


 

Tutor's Note: This is a sample of the Learner Forum you will have access to when you take an online course at CRG. It's just a sample site picture, you will not be able to post there.  Visit CRG Consulting Virtual Campus to get familiarized with our courses.