Reflective Journal Wave 1- Laura Howard

1. After reading the required readings for this week, I can define distance education as an
alternative to an educational environment anywhere other than a traditional classroom or
face-to-face environment using different forms of technology and media as the
facilitation.
2. I never really thought about distance education in any other way than to take classes
online and that it was a brand new term created by the invention of the internet. When I
started reading and exploring all the learning material and media that is when I started to
realize the importance of distance education and everything it offers. I have developed a
new desire and interest to learn everything about distance education and incorporate what
I have learned into my professional career.
3. My view of myself as a learner is that I process and retain knowledge visually and by
interactive experience. Although some people may not like doing homework, it really is
the best way for me to learn or master an understanding of something. The interactive
work, such as the assignments and tasks, are what I need to learn, so that is a key
motivator in my progress. As an online learner, I am still getting used to the dynamics
and the online learning environment but it is happening quickly. I enjoy the convenience
of online learning and being able to take a break and plan my focus as needed. I am glad
that I do have a good amount of experience and background with using different online
resources and social media, which has helped tremendously. I think it would be difficult
for someone who does not have any online experience. I scored a 58 on the Dr. Bob
Kizliks (2007) preparedness test, which means that I should be able handle successfully
completing an online course. I am very pleased to hear these results!
4. My experience with the MDE Orientation is that I think the e-Portfolios are a great idea. I
am enjoying setting mine up so far and look forward to adding more through my journey.
I was not aware that there are so many great resources for setting one up. My view of the
MDE has changed because I was not aware of the extensive history and dynamics for
distance education and how different it is from face-to-face courses (Peters, 2010, pp.
14, 44 and 48) as Otto Peters has explained in his research (Peters, 2004; Peters, 2010;
Peters, [Video part 1-4 interviews], 2011). In addition, Dr. Stella Portos (2012) slideshow
illustrates so many components to think and focus on during my MDE experience. The
MDE program seems to have a lot of room for growth and development, which is the
exciting part of seeing what will be next.
5. The library guide is an excellent resource to help with research. I did not use it in my first
assignment, but I have used this before in a previous class and I found it very useful and
easy to use. I am so glad that we have many resources and access to them through the
UMUC library. This is also a more manageable way to save and go back to research that I
have look at before. I especially find that the specific subject database search tool is a
great advantage when conducting research. This should assist me greatly with future
projects.

References
Bernath, B. &. (2007). The theories and the theorists: Why theory is important for research.
Distance et saviors, 5(3), 427-458. Retrieved from
http://www.box.com/s/fsgilnj1zxsnlbjqzi0b
Garrison, D.R. & Cleveland-Innes, M.F. (2010). Foundations of distance education. In M. F.
Cleveland-Innes & D.R. Garrison, An introduction to distance education: Understanding
teaching and learning in a new era (pp. 13-25). New York and London: Routledge.
Haynie, D. (2015, February 13). What employers think of your online Master's degree. (A. W.
News, Ed.) Retrieved from http:/news.yahoo.com/employers-think-online-masterseducation-140000758.html;_ylt=AwrTWVVpz95UXgYAv8_wgt
Holmberg, B. (2005). Concepts and terminology - Student bodies. The evolution, principles, and
practive of distance education. Oldenburg, Germany: BIS-Verlag der Carl von Ossietzky
Universitat Oldenburg. (pp. 9-11). Retrieved from
http://www.box.com/shared/y97qyc7m0t
Kizlik, B. (2007). Getting Ready for Distance Education Distance Education Aptitude and
Readiness Scale (DEARS). Adprima. Retrieved 2015, from
http://www.adprima.com/dears.htm
Peters, O. (2004). Growing importance of distance education in the world. In O. Peters, Distance
education in transition: New trends and challenges (4th ed., pp. 13-24). Oldenburg,
Germany: BIS-Verlag der Carl von Ossietzky Universitat Oldenburg. Retrieved from
http://www.box.com/shared/5x3tpynqqf
Peters, O. (2010). The revolutionary impact of distance education. In O. Peters, Distance
education in transition: Developments and issues (5th ed., pp. 43-56). Oldenburg,
Germany: BIS-Verlag der Carl von Ossietzky Universitat Oldenburg. Retrieved from
http://www.box.com/s/ktx7ipccetotqrr11mct
Peters, O. (2010). The theory of the most "industrialized education". In O. Peters, Distance
education in transition: Developments and issues (5th ed., pp. 11-32). Oldenburg,
Germany: BIS-Verlag der Carl von Ossietzky Universitat Oldenburg. Retrieved from
http://www.box.com/s/ktx7ipccetotqrr11mct
Peters, O. (2011, December 2). Industrialization theory and distance education. Part 1. [Video
interview.] Haag, Germany. Retrieved from http://vimeo.com/33107755 (Transcript :
http://www.box.com/s/76m31v2baa3n63vm0bjn)
Peters, O. (2011, December 2). Industrialized theory and distance education. Part 2. [Video
interview.] Haag, Germany. Retrieved from http://www.vimeo.com/33523216
(Transcript: http://www.box.com/s/q3f6nuh98mtdydti8b92)

Peters, O. (2011, December 2). Industrialized theory and distance education. Part 3. [Video
interview.] Haag, Gemany. Retrieved from http://vimeo.com/33525745 (Transcript:
http://www.box.com/s/8jzx6qm651gj8kt0aep7)
Peters, O. (2011, Decemeber 2). Industrialized theory and distance education. Part 4. [Video
interview.] Haag, Germany. Retrieved from http://vimeo.com/33109477 (Transcript:
http://www.box.com/s/cn10nmio1je707iaekmx
Porto, S. (2012). Innovation in Learner Support Services Through Social Media. HBMeU 2012
Conference Presentation. Dubai: SlideShare. Retrieved 2015, from
http://www.slideshare.net/sporto/hb-me-usportoshorter?next_slideshow=1