Distance Learning

What is distance learning?

• Distance learning is just as it sounds - learning from a distance.
• Today, this learning most often occurs online through the use of technology.
• In the past, distance learning was called correspondence courses because these courses took place through the mail (Whitaker, 2016).

What is distance learning?

• Distance learning is a huge trend in education today. Many students in K-12 as well as college and graduate students are involved in distance learning (Whitaker, 2016).

(LearnUSI, 2014)                                        .

School Counselors?

#1 - School counselors need to stay up to date in their skills and knowledge about their field. By the nature of their job, counselors are busy and serve many students every day. It can be difficult to find time to attend conferences or seminars. Distance learning can help these professionals stay current in professional development. The American School Counselor Association even offers a Webinar Series on their website where counselors can get the professional development hours they need for their Continuing Education Credits (ASCA, 2018).

#2 - Distance learning is an option for high school graduates that counselors should understand. In the course of preparing students for careers and college, college choice is an important consideration. Many graduates cannot afford to leave home to attend college, or may need to work full-time while they attend college. Counselors must understand the options for these students, including options in distance learning (Straighterline, 2018).

#3 - Virtual schools that provide distance learning for K-12 education are gaining in student enrollment every year. The students in these programs need school counselors to help them navigate the courses, engage in the program, and find resources and tools that will help the students be successful in the distance learning program (American School Counselors Association, 2017).

Distance learning is different than learning in a traditional classroom...

Online learning:

• is technology dependent.
• often has no set schedule.
• requires more reading and independent work.
• has to be "fit" into the student's life around other obligations, especially for older or nontraditional students (Pratt, 2015).

Online learning:

• is difficult for those new to it because these students must learn the material PLUS how to negotiate the learning experience (McQuaid, 2010).

Distance learning courses require:

• a different approach than a traditional setting.
• addressing how students will interact with instructors, peers, and the online medium. (Whitaker, 2016)

Distance learning courses require:

• consideration of the content, delivery, and methodology of the course in order to ensure quality and fit to the audience and to the technology.
• more research to determine the most effective teaching practices. (Whitaker, 2016)

SUCCESSFUL?

Keys to successful distance learning courses:

• Student Support
• Technology Support
• Instructional Support
• Proper Platform
• Excellent Course Design

#1 - Student support

• Preparing students for distance learning lays a foundation that helps with students' abilities to successfully negotiate the program (see next slides for more information and a video)
• Monitoring student participation ensures the students are engaged in the course.
• (Pratt, 2015)

#1 - Student support

• Encouraging student interaction with professor/instructor and other students helps students to learn and understand how to seek help as needed.
• Contacting students individually via email can be helpful and provide individualized support and encouragement. (Pratt 2015)

Inform and prepare students BEFORE courses begin.

(McNaughton, 2016)                                            .

#2 - Technology Support

• Since distance learning is entirely online, disruptions or problems with servers, computers, software, media, or programs used in the course must be supported by a knowledgable staff of technology support (Anderson 2008).

#2 - Technology Support

• As students learn to use the technology, it is important to support the student's use of the technology. Providing instructional videos or documents that show students how to use all of the programs and technologies used in the course Whitaker, 2016).

#3 - Instructional Support

• Instructors should be involved and engaged in the course and with the students, checking in frequently and being available for help (Anderson, 2008).

#3 - Instructional Support

• It is imperative that an instructor gives timely and critical feedback to students. This will help the students know how they are doing in the course and what adjustments they need to make to improve their work or to do better in the course overall (Pratt, 2015).

#3 - Instructional Support

• Instructors should seem available to the students with frequent and relevant communication and feedback. Students should feel that the instructor cares that the student is learning and understanding the material (Whitaker, 2016).

#4 - Proper Platform

• Choose the best platform for the course, that allows the needed elements to support the content and instruction. Common platforms are Blackboard, Desire To Learn, or other Learning Management Systems; online meeting or conference applications; or two-way audio/video applications (Burns, 2014).

#4 - Proper Platform

• The platform should allow and promote student interactivity with the material, instructor, and peers.
• The learning platform should be user friendly.
• (Whitaker, 2016)

#5 - Excellent Course Design

• An excellent course design requires planning, organization and evaluation. A poorly designed or organized course will be a frustration to students and will not accomplish the desired learning. On-going evaluation can keep the course on track and point out areas where adjustments are needed (Anderson, 2008).

#5 - Excellent Course Design

• The course should cover the content it purports to cover.
• The course should be engaging - keeping the student's interest and engaging their learning. (Whitaker, 2016)

#5 - Excellent Course Design

• The course should include elements that appeal to and/or address different learning styles, preferences, and cultural backgrounds (Whitaker, 2016).

In Conclusion...

**All images used in this presentation were stock photos available for use in Haiku Deck.

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