Unit 1 Reflection
Describing the development of distance education along generations of technological innovations. This generational concept goes back to Garrison, G. R. (1985). Three generations of technological innovation in distance education. Distance Education, 6(2), 235-241.
The generations of technological innovations help us to better integrate multimedia learning in the development of distance learning. Although Garrison couldn't foresee the enormous development of online distance learning, I think his concept of technological innovations is still valid.
What are the capabilities of media that initiated a new generation of distance education or a paradigm shift in the way we teach and learn? What are "ancillary media" in this regard?
Discussion Response:
Correspondence generation:
The combination of printed work and the postal system began a new generation of two-way interaction. It proved to be a cost effective method to reach a large number of learners
Telecommunication generation
The innovation of telecommunication brought with it the capability of audio , video and the computer). Audio and video conferencing gave the capability for two-way voice communications among three or more individuals.
Computer generation
It is interesting that in the 80’s computer technology was seen a mode to change pedagogy. Garrison described it as have the ability to be a “more efficient or effective means of instructional delivery than traditional face-to-face instruction”. Distance education was seen as an exciting possibility of learners obtaining a quality education.
Ancillary media
Ancillary media did not initiate a new generation of distance education because it did not “build upon previous capabilities”. Storage capabilities of ancillary media can serve to assist learning; however, it has not made a strong impact on distance education because of its restriction of interaction.
The generations of technological innovations help us to better integrate multimedia learning in the development of distance learning. Although Garrison couldn't foresee the enormous development of online distance learning, I think his concept of technological innovations is still valid.
What are the capabilities of media that initiated a new generation of distance education or a paradigm shift in the way we teach and learn? What are "ancillary media" in this regard?
Discussion Response:
Correspondence generation:
The combination of printed work and the postal system began a new generation of two-way interaction. It proved to be a cost effective method to reach a large number of learners
Telecommunication generation
The innovation of telecommunication brought with it the capability of audio , video and the computer). Audio and video conferencing gave the capability for two-way voice communications among three or more individuals.
Computer generation
It is interesting that in the 80’s computer technology was seen a mode to change pedagogy. Garrison described it as have the ability to be a “more efficient or effective means of instructional delivery than traditional face-to-face instruction”. Distance education was seen as an exciting possibility of learners obtaining a quality education.
Ancillary media
Ancillary media did not initiate a new generation of distance education because it did not “build upon previous capabilities”. Storage capabilities of ancillary media can serve to assist learning; however, it has not made a strong impact on distance education because of its restriction of interaction.