computer drone

Since I had never heard of either of these before, I did the google-dance.

I came up with this… which I thought was pretty neat, until Nate started poking holes in the content, as well as poking at the author. But, check it out anyway, because there is some valuable stuff in there:

http://lis.newport.ac.uk/cld/13_June_2005/Workshop_2-Psychological_Perspectives_in_elearning.ppt

According to Martindale (2002), “transactional distance” requires a learner, a teacher, and a communication channel.” Three variables include structure, dialogue and learner autonomy.. and these are found along a continuum. Structure is determined by the course design, organization, and different types of media. Dialogue can be two-way, real-time… or dialogue internalized within the student. Learner autonomy depends on a personal sense of responsibility and self-directedness (which magically materializes on the first day of college). This theory deals with the cognitive process of idea transmission.

Equivalency Theory claims that e-learning should accrue the same outcomes as traditional education (I find this abysmal… I think it should hold higher expectations) and that it should make equivalent the learning experiences of all students, no matter how they are linked to the resources or instruction they require (Simonson, 2000). A question posed is “what methods can we use to reduce the “transactional distance” between students and tutors?” Unless I missed, it, no where did the author mention the (unequivalent) experiences that the student brings to the table.