Dr. Michael Simonson’s Equivalency Theory focuses on learning at a distance. The key elements of Simonson's theory are equivalent education experience, application, and student outcome. Simonson states, “Instruction for Distance Education should not be equal to the instruction in a F2F setting but, the learning outcome should be equivalence,” (Simonson, 2010). As a teacher, I agree with the scholar's viewpoint. In the classroom, teachers are to differentiate instruction to ensure “No Child Is Left Behind”, Learning at a distance should be equivalent.
In addition, Lev Vygotsky’s constructivist view of learning is a critical learning approach to distance education. Constructivists believe learning is active and humans construct their knowledge both from personal experiences and their efforts to give meaning to these experiences (Driscoll, 1994). Distance Education main pedagogical must be active learning. Distance Learning cannot be accomplished by passively absorbing knowledge imparted by a teacher. Student must make connections of prior to new knowledge. Constructivist view’s five characteristic features: active engagement, use and application of knowledge, multiple representations, use of learning communities, and authentic tasks which is an vital part of distance education (Krajcik, Czerniak & Berger, 1999).
References:
Driscoll, M. P. (1994). Psychology of Learning for Instruction. Needham, MA: Allyn & Bacon. Retrieved from http://www.learning-theories.com/vygotskys-social-learning-theory.html
Krajcik, J. Czerniak, C., & Berger, C (1999). Teaching children Scenice: A project-based approach. New York: McGraw-Hill College Retrieved from http://www.itdl.org/journal/dec_04/Dec_04.pdf#page=6
Simonson, M (2010). Equivalency theory. Laureate Education, Inc. Retrieved from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=4715750&Survey=1&47=6964410&ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1
7 comments:
Hi, I am new at this and not in your group, but I thought that I would check out your site and it is great.
Now about the comments on you post. I like the ideas that you presented in your post. I liked the definition of distance education. Simonson (Laureate Education, Inc. 2010) defines distance education as “formal education in which the learning group (teacher, students, resources) are separated by geography and sometimes by time.” Simonson stated online e-learning is really self study when done with many online programs. I feel that he is correct that e-learning is self study. I feel that e-learning is very different than the face to face setting since you really are studying on your own without others around you in a classroom.
Again nice job, Diane Marlowe
I think that blended learning is an excellent way to connect informal and formal learning environments. Best practices in distance education can many times be used in a face to face environment. What do you think?
The one thing I enjoyed with your response is that the accountability of learning is left to the student. It is extemely important, especially in distance education, the learner be held accountable for their learning.
Hi djmarlowe:
Thanks for your response. I would like to ask anyone if they feel more learning is occuring through self-study or in the F2F environment where modeling and discussions occur?
Module 3 – Blog
Part A
I love the quote by Howard Gardner, “It is not how smart you are that matters, what really counts is how you are smart.”
Assessing factual knowledge takes on many shapes no matter if it is F2F or through distance learning. For assessments to be fair and accurate, the facilitator must be aware of each student’s learning style to ensure there is genuine comprehension of expected outcomes. Similar to a non-English speaking student, if directions are not given in their native language (or learning style) there cannot be fair assessments. Setting the stage and creating the environment are the first two processes in building on-line collaborative communities. (Palloff & Pratt, 2005) Although the stage is set through a written syllabus. Creating the environment and expectations are communicated through written words. Communities with learners who learning style is not linguistic does not infer that the member is unmotivated or a negative contributor. Dr. Siemens asks in his video, “Is assessment different from teaching?” If students are not producing, as a classroom teacher I conference with the student to check for understanding or where I need to re-teach or present in a different form. (Siemen, 2010)
Part B
Through creating the high level of trust, the other members of the learning community can approach the individual to clarify why they feel they do not want to participate. The instructor should take the role of making the first contact with the student, similar to the superior in a work environment.
Palloff, R. M., & Pratt, K. (2005). Collaborating online: Learning together in community. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass
Siemens, G. (2010). Assessment of collaboration. Laureate Education, Inc. Retrieved July 21, 2010 from: http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com
Would someone assist in how do I upload a ppt to this blog? I am trying to post my project outline. When I get to the text box as it seems to do is scroll in a circular motion as if is trying to open. It has been doing it all afternoon.
Thanks,
Cheryl
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