Julie Gilbert Reflections Due 10.4.

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1. My initial definition of Distance Education
I believe distance education can be many different things depending on the student and the intent
of the program/class. I think distance education can incorporate learning through print materials
at one's own pace or at a pace pre-determined by an evaluator. It can also include online learning
through interactive modules, text, videos, or even infographics. Distance education can involve
communication among students, or even just student to teacher interactions, but I think some
form of communication to evaluate understanding is necessary. I also believe that having a
qualified instructor to monitor progress, understanding, and learning, as well as evaluate
assignments is essential in determining the quality of the program/class.
2. How my understanding of Distance Education has changed after two weeks of class
I didnt initially think about distance education as correspondence education, but I now realize
thats where it all began. Actually, distance education began many centuries ago and has evolved
into what we know it as today a technology based form of education that incorporates many
different types learning materials (audio, video, computer, telephone, text, radio, etc.).
It seems that distance education started as a way in which underserved were able to obtain
education and today it may serve that same purpose, but I believe it all serves as a more
convenient way of receiving education.
I didnt realize there were as many distance education theorists or approaches to distance
education as there are and I learned about a great number of different methodologies used by
many DE experts.
3A. Whats my view of myself as a learner? B. Whats my view of myself as an online
learner? C. How prepared am I for online learning? D. How did I score with the adprima
exercise?
A. I am a hands-on and visual learner. This is something Ive known about myself for some
time, but its become very apparent with this course. I am having difficulty reading about the
theory of distance education and remembering different expert approaches, unless its put into
the context of what Im doing now. I need to be able to relate to what Im learning.
B. As an online learner, I am seeing how difficult it is to keep up with everything mainly
reading everything that everyone posts. I do like the flexibility that comes with online learning,
but in some ways, thats also detrimental. When Im required to be in a class at a certain time
every week, its easier for time management. I do have to push myself to make a schedule and
complete the work. I find that most of my work waits till the weekend, when I have more
personal time.
C. I thought I was prepared for the course, but Ive actually become overwhelmed very quickly.
So overwhelmed that Ive dropped the Graduate Orientation course, and Ive inquired about
withdrawing from this Foundations course. I am having a hard time understanding some of the
concepts and the scholarly writings and figuring out how to apply it to what Im doing in my
current position.
D. I got a score of 44 on my adprima exercise (http://www.adprima.com/dears.htm). After
answering the questions above about my style, Im not too surprised. The results of the score are
below for those scoring between 30 44:

Distance education will be a challenge. You will miss the
classroom interaction context a great deal.
The positive part about this score is that Im not on the low end of the range and I am closer to
having the potential to do well with online learning.
I dont really miss sitting in a classroom for face-to-face interactions. Ive found that having
classmates reply to my postings has been helpful, and is very much like being in class with
someone. Ive also found that the instructor in this course is very encouraging and strives to
provide feedback quickly. I actually feel that she has a very good connection with the students.
4. How has my view of the MDE changed?
Ive pretty much decided that I dont want to pursue my MDE. I really was looking for these
courses to learn new skills and technologies that I could apply to my current job. At this point, I
am wondering if I should just be auditing a few courses, rather than be enrolled even in the
certificate program.
My plan is continue with the Foundations course in the hopes that I can at least earn a C in the
course so that my company will reimburse me for 80% of the tuition. I feel that Ive devoted
quite a bit of time within the last four weeks to the course, and I really dont want to give up;
however, it is very difficult keeping up with all the assignments and readings, as well as working
and traveling full time. I underestimated the time constraints that I am under, but I will do my
best in this course.
5. In what ways was I able to use the Library Guide for my first assignment? How do I
foresee using the guide in the future?
I used the Library Guide to refresh and relearn the APA styles and how to cite various authors
and materials properly. It is something that I will continue to check and reference before
submitting assignments, as I have seen that my research skills are lacking.