Module+3+Reflections

Module 3 Objectives
o Identify the primary types of institutional structures that support DE o Identify the top DE institutions worldwide, their size, type of institutional structure and unique characteristics o Analyze the critical characteristics of each institutional structure o Give examples of each institutional structure in 1)America 2) Europe 3) Australia/Asia/Africa o Critically examine the differences among the various institutional types and discuss the probable effects on such functions as course development, student services, instructional design, and pedagogy o Select, research, analyze, and discuss the critical aspects of a distance education institution

7/28/2010 My student group has researched the primary institutional structures that support DE and chosen to focus on the Single Mode as our typology. We have been working diligently to develop a classification scheme, a task that has been rather challenging online. Within the group we seem to have difficulty understanding the assignment and deciding how to best approach the assignment. The lesson learned here is that asynchronous planning is very ineffective and the likelihood of getting off task is great. Although we were able to get out project submitted by the deadline, using technology made this task much more difficult than it would have been in face to face sessions. 8/1/2010 My group received feedback on our draft, and we have much work to complete the assignment within a week. We have scheduled a Skype meeting for tomorrow which I hope will help our efficiency. We have assigned new responsibilities and roles for the final part of this assignment, continuing to refine our chosen typology, and bringing focus to our characteristics. This should help me to write the final assignment that identifies 6 major institutions based on our classification scheme. The pressure is really increasing. 8/6/2010 Our final project is much better than the previous draft. We pulled together, creatively solved issues, critiqued each other's work, gave constructive feedback, and firmed up our understandings of institutional modes. Through our discussions in WebTycho and on Skype, we all grew collectively and personally. Although this project was at times frustrating, I'm glad that I was able to participate with such a great team! Module 3 Reflection and Overall Course Reflection Reflecting on this module gives me an opportunity to look back over the features of DE and think about the characteristics of successful DE programs worldwide. I have researched institutions on several continents and found that Peters' industrial model is being used to design and implement DE modes. Understanding the way to classify institutions is a critical skill in the process of evaluating schools, planning course design and interaction, and ultimately the success of the endeavor. The content of this course has helped me to better understand DE, and hopefully being a better online instructor. This foundation course will be an important first step in becoming proficient in this new area.