In this week’s material we looked at the growing acceptance of DE as it relates to global diversity, online communication mediums, and collaborative interactions. Dr. Siemen’s (2008) discussed the triple helix model, which consists of universities, government, and businesses that have come together to engage in conversations that will solve real complex issues that impact our world today. For instance, collaborative interactions have sprouted up in the healthcare arena allowing multimodal teams from around the globe to come together to solve complex healthcare problems. For instance, healthcare specialists are now able to send imaging results to specialists in other countries for their expertise and input on solving complex medical problems. Not only are medical professionals able to send imaging results through technological transmission, but they are now able to communicate by using Skype technology, which allows users to see and hear one another in real-time.
There have been many technology innovations over the past few years that have dramatically increased the number of tools that can be used to enhance online corporate training and distance education. These tools coupled with the growing acceptance and comfort with technology has brought about collaborative interactions with educators, governments, and corporations that was not possible before the invention of video and multimedia tools and technology.
Reference Laureate Education, Inc. (2008) Principles of Distance Education. Baltimore, MD.
Below are two additional blogs that support the growing acceptance of Distance Education:
http://garyemiller.blogspot.com/2010/05/collaboration-versus-competition-trends.html
This blog, Collaboration versus Competition: Trends in Online Learning for Workforce Development. This blog gives a historical overview of distance education and the changing needs of the workforce and how it relates to academia. For instance, it discusses how multi-institutional partnerships with companies are coming together to tailor training to the needs of the employers.
http://www.umassonlineblog.com/2011/11/29/study-finds-majority-of-corporations-using-online-learning-to-build-leadership-and-management-skills/
This blog offers a plethora of resources on distance education and its impact on the corporate culture. The article that I read " Majority of Corporations using Online Learning to Build Leadership and Management Skills" proves that more and more corporations are using online formats to offer training to employees. Additionally, this blog offers multiple resources on educational collaborations between higher education institutions and corporations for ongoing training.
RESPONSES TO Classmates blogs: Kasy Lanston & Tina Ransey
http://langstonnotes.blogspot.com/2011/12/module-2-assignment.html#comment-form
Kasey,
As I was reading your blog and the material for this week, it occurred to me that the emergence of global diversity in the classroom and workplace will require that students and employees are equipped to interact with people that have different values and beliefs from our own.It seems to me that we will need to learn how to interact and communicate online in ways that honor those with different belief systems. Do you agree with this thought? If so, do you have ideas on how we can incorporate diversity awareness in the distant education and corporate arenas?
Cynthia
http://transeyblogs.blogspot.com/2011/12/element-of-collaborative-interaction-as.html
Tina,
This week, I choose the collaborative interaction area too because it is amazing how technology is encouraging global collaboration. When we have access to a diverse and global group of learners our experience and learning is enhanced because of the rich discussions and new perspectives that we are exposed to. However, as you stated, these types of learning experiences can happen in a face 2 face classroom as well.
On a final note, it seems to me that there could be challenges online if a lack of value and understanding are not present for those that may not value a global and diverse perspective. What are your thoughts about the potential challenge with global diversity issues in DE?
Cynthia
3 comments:
Hi Cynthia, I liked your example of doctors using Skype to collaborate and provide the best possible health care for their patients! I look forward to meeting educators with whom I can collaborate in the same way.
Julie
Cynthia,
There have been many innovations created over the past few years that will help online communities and colleagues to communicate easier, but the key word that you said was "growing acceptance". I know that the technology that is being introduced to some adults is hard for them to grasp, but they are trying hard to understand and utilize these innovations. For example, my mother is in her early 60's and she just learned how to use Facebook. She wanted to be able to communicate with the students in her Sunday school classes and her friends that live out of state.
Cynthia,
Interesting post, I think that online tools help to create a better interaction and collaboration with employees and colleagues. As an educator, so many times it is hard to get students to work together, but by having access to all the online tools, it makes it easier and may even create a place of comfort, where it is easier to share their ideas.
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