LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 INTRODUCTION
There exists many definitions for what distance learning or distance education Teaster and Blieszner (1999) say “the term distance learning has been applied to many instructional methods: however, its primary distinction is that the teacher and the learner are separate in space and possibly time”. The most thorough definition was proposed by Desmond Keegan (1995) a leading expert in distance education. Keegan espouses that “Distance education and training result from the technological separation of teacher and learner which frees the student from the necessity of traveling to “a fixed place, at a fixed time, to meet a fixed person, in order to be trained.”
Distance learning has evolved through the …show more content…
Synchronous distance learning employs the use of some traditional teaching methods despite the facts that the students are located remotely. Synchronous distance learning, commonly supported by media such as videoconferencing and chat, has the potential to support the students in the development of learning communities. Students and teachers experience synchronous distance learning as more social and avoid frustration by asking and answering questions in real time.[a] Synchronous learning can be effectively used for showcasing web or computer applications, explaining difficult concepts, delivering lectures via PowerPoint, structured group brainstorming, hosting guest speakers, new topic introductions, community building, and question and answer sessions [b] . An advantage of synchronous distance learning is that Isolation can be overcome by more continued contact, particularly synchronously, and by the students becoming aware of themselves as members of a community rather than as isolated individuals communicating with the computer …show more content…
In the view of this project two transformation elements have been chosen because of their relation to distance learning and they shall be fully discussed. These elements are;
a. Pedagogy
b. Design
2.4.1 Pedagogy
Pedagogy is defined as the science and art of education. Pedagogy deals with the art of teaching and learning. It is important because it informs us of how we embrace the world in which live, how we think about technology and how we use technology.
What is an Online Pedagogy?
An Online Pedagogy deals with how to cater for online, blended, flexible and distance learning modes. This is important if teaching and learning is to be transformed for the modern times. The approach taken by this project is a Learner Centered Approach as opposed to a teacher centered approach since the main focus is on how to improve the quality of education the students receive through the lecture delivery system. There are five elements that are considered;
a. The student needs to be active.
b. The learner lives in their own particular context.
c. The students should be solving and working on problems
d. The students should be social.
e. The Pedagogy is emergent.
2.4.1.1