Distance Learning

1173 Words3 Pages

Distance Learning

Currently, computers already play a prominent role in many aspects of our lives from personal works to education fields. The Internet can also be invaluable in linking people culturally and socially (Hacker & Capehart, 1999). Geographically and historically, most universities in the world offer distance learning to students through the Internet, and the distance learning is becoming a new trend of the 21st academy. In particular, computers will permit a degree of individualization-personalized coaching or tutoring (Gardner, 2000: 31). Through easily accessible teaching communication online, distance learning comes to replace our support problems in traditional campus learning. The distance learning is an educational approach that “integrates technology, connectivity, curricular content, and human resources (Willson, 2002: 638).”

Through the integration of the Internet resources into language instruction, students can learn a second or foreign language. For example, the students in advanced level Italian courses at the University of Utah have been virtually immersed into Italian language and culture in a manner similar to full immersion. All students belong to the virtual community of people who communicate daily in the Italian language. Membership and participation in the community requires only network access, computer literacy, and a strong interest in the topic of discussion (Warschauer, M. 1995).

Distance learning instruction also provides opportunities with learners at online campuses that allow them to reach remote interaction with course instructors, web-based Internet courses, and supplement an existing course.

According to Lehrer (1998), in online education, some people who work a lot and a...

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