Game-based learning in distance education

  This video presentation is in partial fulfillment of requirements for EDUC 8842: Principles of Distance Education.  Introducing the keynote speaker, AspireSTAR

 

Please press the play button to view Principles of Distance Education video.

Moving Toward Dynamic Technologies

My philosophy of distance education is to move towards dynamic learning by taking advantage of content, communication, and collaboration technologies.  Static tools create a "one-way" approach to gaining information, while dynamic tools create a "highway" of information between multiple sources and people.  Technological innovations provide new ways for learners to engage in the learning process. 

Educators can move towards the dynamic end of the “static-dynamic continuum” by seeking and using resources beyond the “parked” online classroom.  Moeller (2008) suggests that a higher level of creativity and understanding is needed to use dynamic technologies as opposed to static technologies.  The effective use of media and technology is essential to facilitating learning online. 

The following graphic organizer separates common classroom activities as static or dynamic.  Static technologies are traditional classroom tools such as textbooks, group papers, a movie, or lecture.  Dynamic technologies are popular commercial tools such as wikis, blogs, video conferencing, online tutorials, and social networks.  Although there are still many linear aspects to online courses, instructional design is changing to incorporate new tools for distance education.

Graphic of Static vs Dynamic Tools