Engineering Professional Development and Distance Learning

Distance Learning
Distance Learning is simply an educational setting where the instructor and students are not physically located together. The educational process relies on electronic devices and print materials for instructional delivery. Distance Learning uses various advanced training technologies including interactive video (two-way video and audio), computer-based training (typically CD-ROM), and web-based training. These technologies are widely used to aid instructors teaching at a distance and to enable students to learn on their own, at their desktops or in learning centers. Several distance learning technologies are fully mature, widely accepted, and extensively used by business, government and the military.

For instructors interested in developing a distance learning course, a set of guidelines are provided at Course Development Guidelines.

Summaries of the types of technologies used by the College of Engineering at UC are listed below. Included in the descriptions are implications for the teaching / learning process.

Two-Way Interactive Video
A classroom equipped with video transmission/receive equipment is connected to one or more other remote classrooms similarly equipped. Typically, a presentation originates from one site and is transmitted to the other site(s). The students in remote classrooms can both see and hear the instructor real-time, and the instructor can see and hear students from the remote sites. Remote sites have the image of the instructor and presentation materials either on a television monitor or as a projected image. The instructor can lecture and present materials using the same media as in a traditional classroom (chalk, overheads, video tapes, computer generated images, demonstrations). To be effective, however, these presentation materials must be formatted in such a manner that they are appropriate for display by a television monitor. Attention must be given to layout, font size, colors, clarity of graphics, etc. Interaction between the instructor and the students at the remote sites must be planned for if it is to be effective.

Streaming Video
Streaming is a technique whereby information is provided by a web server in a "just in time" format to a user requesting a large file. Rather than downloading an entire audio or video file then playing the file, streaming sends a portion of the file, begins playing the file, while continuing to send successive portions of the file. As a method for delivery of instruction, the process that incorporates streaming video includes:

• Presentation of material via lecture and visual presentation materials
• "Capturing" the presentation (both audio and video) typically on videotape
• Converting the audio and video to digital formats that are capable of being streamed
• Storing these files on an appropriate server
• Files are streamed to a student when requested by a web browser

The instructor can lecture and present materials using the same media as in a traditional classroom (chalk, overheads, video tapes, computer generated images, demonstrations). All aspects of the presentation are captured on video and audio. In one sense, providing instruction via streaming video is a recreation of the classroom experience in an on-line delivery format.

Interaction between students and the instructor, however, is significantly different than in a synchronous delivery mode (e.g., traditional classroom or two-way interactive video). Students do not have real-time interaction opportunities with the instructor. Interaction happens at a later face-to-face meeting, through email, phone calls, or some combination of techniques.

Web-based Instruction
We will define web-based instruction as a purposeful design of an educational offering that uses the technology to provide content in a manner that is not possible without the Web. To this end, web-based instruction IS NOT text files saved as html, a PowerPoint presentation placed on a web site, or a video recreation of a traditional lecture provided via streaming audio and video. Web-based instruction IS instructional content formatted for efficient delivery over the Worldwide Web that is structured to promote interaction with the content and facilitates exploration and multiple paths through the content.

Interaction with the content includes reading of text, viewing graphic images, following links to related topics, providing responses to prompts that provide "response specific" feedback, submitting analysis / evaluation of data for other students to view, etc. This interaction is facilitated by the computer-mediated delivery with some aspects of the interaction not possible in a traditional classroom.

Content is structured to be delivered efficiently over the web in a manner that is conducive to learning. Lengthy sections of text are broken into modules and linked in a logical sequence. Visual images must be of sufficient quality to add to the learning experience but not occupy so much file space that they are overly time-consuming to download. The formatting of text and visual content is attractive but not glitzy (visually pleasing without being cluttered or overly embellished).

One of the beneficial features of web-based instruction can be the opportunity to proceed through the content via a variety of paths. Properly designed, there is not just a single, sequential path through the material. Using links and hypertext, a student could proceed through the content in a prescribed sequence, or in a sequence that fits the student's interests.

Web-based instruction should provide significant opportunities for further exploration of related content. These opportunities typically take the form of a link to a web site that further describes the content or offers supplemental materials to the primary subject. Clearly defined methods for returning to the primary content should be provided.

Interaction between students and the instructor is significantly different in web-based instruction compared to traditional instruction. Typically, interaction takes place asynchronously through exchange of email or posting of web pages. Real time "chat" is a mechanism that can be used if all parties have requisite capabilities. Interaction can also take place at a later face-to-face meeting, through phone calls, or some combination of techniques.