Distance Learning Manifesto: Introduction

As a Teacher Leader of technology and library for 80+ schools, I am often asked if teachers could observe or shadow me for day or two.  Unfortunately, many teachers do not have the budget or means to travel across state lines to easily do that. How, then, does a Tech & Library teacher 'teach' a new teacher how to do her unique job with its multifaceted responsibilities?  What if teachers could learn from teachers in another way than through face-to-face instruction?  What possibilities could happen if new teachers could have synchronous discussion online with their coaches about best practices, pedagogical and assessment strategies? An online framework for PD across ours schools can dramatically enhance our ability to learn, share, and strengthen our offerings to our teachers.

Online education or distance learning (E-learning) has been defined as a method to teaching and learning that employs the internet to communicate and collaborate in an educational framework. With the world’s population growing and the need for education exceeding the availability of schools or specific programs, distance learning has quickly become the latest hot topic in the field of education.

However, the current state of online learning necessitates a change in strategy and implementation as there is much in distance learning opportunities that do not always live up to its promising potential. Performance goals and objectives are not always clear and should not be just copy and pasted from brick and mortar classroom formats. What works well in a traditional classroom does not necessarily translate over onto an online class. Changes need to be implemented in design, pedagogy and measurement of student learning. Key elements or best practices, such as, constructive feedback, online content and literacy skill building, assessments, and social presence are often missing from current online learning modules.

                                                                           

In order to keep up with the demand for educational needs around the world, educators need to offer high quality and readily available instruction using the technological tools in this digital age to benefit all learners world-wide. As educators, we are responsible for teaching students (and teachers) in a learner centered approach and online learning is one of the creative ways we can teach students or teachers anywhere and anytime.







Facilitador Tube. "E-learning: How to Deliver an Engaging Virtual Classroom Presentation." YouTube. , 2 Feb. 2010. Web. 25 Apr. 2015.