Final Examination
Using the text and other readings as a basis, answer the assigned number
of questions from the text as fully as possible. I send you an email
message detailing the number of questions you must individually answer.
This number is dependent upon online participation and demonstrated
investment in the class.
Each answer should be around 500 words (1-2 pages). Grade criteria
will depend largely on your ability to integrate the concepts of the
course readings into your essay. Each question has listed at least two
course readings that must be accounted for in your answer.
Answers must be placed in BlackBoard's Digital Drop Box by 7 :00 PM
Monday, May 8, 2003. Answers arriving before that time will be immediately
graded, and you will be given a chance to revise the answers if you
wish, subject the above deadline.
- Comment on the effects of Transactional Distance as a theory of distance
education. What are the claims of this theory, how do they differentiate
distance education from traditional "pedagogical" theory,
and what is your reaction to them? Peters Chapter 3 and 4, my
lecture notes on transactional distance, Harasim
1989 in the context of my lecture notes.
- How does learner achievement differ between distance education and
the traditional classroom? Or is this a fair question? See Reconsidering
Research in Education (Clark, R.) [available in BlackBoard], Research
in Distance Education (Threlkeld,R.) [available in BlackBoard] and SSAZ
Chapters 1, 2, 7, 11 and 12.
- Instructional Systems Design is seen as foundational to the Systems
View of Distance Education. Contrast the needs of SSAZ and Moore and
Kearsley with the constructivist ideas put forward by David Jonassen,
et al. Which design methodology will you employ in your practice, and
why? SSAZ Chapter 6, Moore and Kearsley Chapter 1 and 6 (esp. pp 101
- 107) [available in BlackBoard], Constructivism and Computer-Mediated
Communication in Distant Education (Jonassen, D.) [available in BlackBoard].
- Teaching online brings many new challenges to bear upon educational
practice. Comment on the changed role of the teacher and what strategies
must be employed to enjoy success in distance education. SSAZ Chapters
1, 8, Peters Chapter 2, Changing faculty roles for audiographics and
online teaching (Gunawardena, C.) [available in BlackBoard] and your
own experiences online.
- Is distance education always destined to be second best to live instruction?
Or could there be a time when it becomes preferable? Is there a future
in which technological advances (and perhaps social changes) will make
distance education a rich, imaginative way to learn that better prepares
students for the 21st Century? Peters Chapters 6 and 8, The Vision (Tiffin,
J.) [available in BlackBoard] and The Social Life of Information (2000)[available
in BlackBoard].
- Write your own topic and submit
it to me for acceptance
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