Chapter 7

Distance Learning Tools and the Role of the Internet in Education

Chapter 7 was pretty interesting in the fact that it talks about how students can use the Internet in their education for multiple things. For example students and teachers who use the Internet should know how to use URLs, site navigation strategies, bookmarks or favorites, and search engines. Also students and teachers should know how to evaluate websites content and do basic Internet troubleshooting. Students can be able to communicate on the Internet with one another by online communication resources such as email, listservs, bulletin boards, blogs, chatrooms, instant messaging, and videoconferencing. I think if students would learn how to use the different online communication resources it will better enhance their skills of technology and make communication faster. The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) is defined as, “The acquisition of knowledge and skills through mediated information and instruction, encompassing all technologies and other forms of learning at a distance.” Types of distance activities include student research, online materials, web-based lessons, and virtual courses and programs. I think having the students using web-based lessons are very helpful and time saving because it gets the students to understand the material or content in another way and the amount of time it takes is much faster. The students will be more motivated to work on the assignment especially when it’s based off the Internet. Another interesting thing I found in this chapter was the distance courses and programs. To design and use distance courses and programs, teachers and students use web course development and support tools such as course management systems, site capturing software, intranets, and whiteboards. I think doing this will make the students become more responsible on getting their assignments on time. I thought this chapter was very interesting and very informative for teachers as well as students for using the different distance learning tools in the classroom.