Preparing Students for Distance Learning

1. Preparing StudentsforDistance Learning Presented by John R. Knue, Ed.D. Baylor University John_Knue@Baylor.edu (http://hsb.baylor.edu/html/knue/home.htm)

2. Overview • Rationale • Terminology /Methodology • Types of D. L. offerings • Orientation techniques for a two-way environment • Q&A

3. Rationale • Studies show anxiety is higher in a D.L. course; impacts attrition • Studies show student performance benefits from orientation • Orientation helps students focus on “content” rather than the technology • Students are often presumed ready

4. More Rationale • Quality/expectations may be “perceived” as lower • Necessary to build student & instructor comfort /confidence level • Natural to want to know about policy and procedures • Clarify instructor’s goals & students’ attitudes

5. Internet or Web-based courses Video-based / Telecourses Asynchronous

6. Asynchronous Courses • Internet or Telecourses • Initial (on-site) orientation? • Flexible or prescribed schedule? • Testing requirements • Access to instructor

7. One-way video; two-way audio Two-way audio & video Synchronous

8. Synchronous Courses One-way video; two-way audio • Instructor cannot see students; can only hear individual caller • May be facilitator or monitor • Requires closer attention to student discipline • Usually includes multiple sites

9. Synchronous Courses Two-way audio and video • Interactive TV (ITV) or Videoconferencing • Very common for secondary and post-secondary • Uses T1 (telephone lines) to transmit real-time audio & compressed video

10. Individual Course Offerings Complete Degree Programs D.L. Offerings

11. General Issues • Is D.L. appropriate for the learner’s individual style or situation • Are handbooks/guidelines provided? • Is there an orientation process? • Are there specific “Residency” requirements?

12. General Issues (Cont.) • Student Services offered • Contact person • Advising • Access to library /other resources • Admission & registration • Tuition & fees • Financial Aid

13. ITV Conditions • Students may be at: • Both origin & receive site(s) • Receive site(s) only • Clarify receive site assistance • Another teacher • Facilitator • Technical person

14. ITV Orientation Students at the “Origin Site” • Often surprised to be in D.L. environment • May need orientation to microphones • Will need to learn to view monitors • May resent sharing the instructor

15. ITV Orientation Students at the “Receive Site(s)” • May also be surprised to be in D.L. environment • May need orientation to microphones • Will most always be on camera • May have on-location facilitator or other • May have to learn about equipment

16. All Students • Learner responsibilities: Patience Persistence Punctuality Presence Participation

17. All Students • Establish the rules & expectations early on for... • Asking questions • Responding • Entering late • Handling technical difficulties • What to do in case of cancellation at origin or receive site

18. All Students • Provide an orientation to the equipment for each location (demo) • Work to blend the sites with student questions/activities between the sites • Use icebreakers and warm-up exercises freely • Give all students a chance to be on camera

19. Questions? Discussion!