Blackboard Learning in the Twenty-First CenturyWritten by Nick Smith
My grandmother likes to remind me that to her it seems like yesterday that she attended college - something virtually unheard for women of her generation to do. In fact, she and I went to same university, even studied in same buildings. But despite those college experiences we share, something makes me think that way college works now is remarkably different than way it did when she was there. It seems that old adage of "Reading, Writing, 'Rithmetic" should be reworked to say "Downloading, Typing, and eBay." If you find yourself wondering about what changes might have come about since you yourself attended college, allow me to explain one tool that has been developed to take advantage of new technologies to help teachers teach better and help students learn better. It's what could be called "Blackboard Learning." Features of Blackboard LearningBlackboard technology is an online resource where teachers and students may exchange resources, interact, and find information regarding courses in which they are enrolled. When a student enrolls in a course making use of Blackboard learning, they are given access through their university or college's website to a customizable portal page that lists courses they are enrolled in. Each course includes several separate online resources that students need to succeed in course. In past teachers either had to make copies of all their handouts to give to students or put whatever students needed to know up on blackboard and students were responsible for copying it down. The former option is a waste of paper and ink, while latter is a waste of time. Blackboard technology now allows teachers to upload digital copies of handouts which students can download and, if they choose, print. Class notes, PowerPoint presentations, video and audio clips, pictures, and other resources can be made available to entire class simply by uploading them to Blackboard. This virtually eliminates problem of students losing syllabus or other important class document because there is always a copy online that they have ready access to.
| | Distance Learning DefinedWritten by Jennifer Pattern
The Definitive ExplanationDistance learning is a term which encompasses all learning that takes place at locations remote from point of instruction. It is an option for beginning studies or continuation of study off-campus in locations via cable television, internet, satellite classes, videotapes, correspondence courses, or by other means. Distance learning integrates technology in educational courses whereby students may view and participate in lectures from various locations, or on an individual basis. Various forms of computer-based communication may be used to facilitate class discussions and communication among faculty and students. Distance learning may take forms of an instructor-led course delivered via satellite to traditional home study correspondence courses, which is viewed by hierarchy in education as still most effective practice which wields highest course grades, in short, results. The Advantages Distance education enables student to tend to rest of their life obligations, and is perfect for those in employment either full or part time who cannot guarantee exact times and days weekly for education. Centred on student, distance learning course, laid out and worked through in this method is chosen variety for older student, and younger, as it bridges gap between assessor and student with technologies which can be used and accessed at any time. With this method, a student’s location is not a barrier when interested in furthering their education, nor is their lack of time as courses can fit into their lifestyle and schedule. The industry has progressed a great extent, in securing reliable and effective systems to administer courses. More and more students and campuses are recognising value of online and home study courses. The educational institution responsible for learning programme will offer student course materials in hard copy for their perusal, and their tutorage takes place online along with their grading of assignments. Each student has their own tutor who guides them through learning process and coursework. Because they are capable of being in touch with their tutors, students are able to ask questions more freely and receive more in depth answers than they would if a teacher was to stand in front of a class and have to tend to numerous students at a time under time restrictions.
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