reflection+1

Reflection   **My definition has definitely changed. When I first started this course I thought distance learning meant only studying using the internet. Now I know it has a long history and the pillars were established long before the internet became popular. I have more background knowledge of this complex term and I’m able to explain it in basic terms. If I had to write a new definition I would add the ** **stages and how distance learning has evolved but has grown all around the world. When I read the chapters of the evolution of distance education and distance education in transition I learned about how distance education has helped some countries economically. I tend to forget how education makes an impact in a country’s economy and a bigger impact on the people. **  ** The readings have contributed to the better understanding I have right now. Also the discussions with my peers are very helpful. **  **If I were to tell my colleagues what DE I’d say is a process where the students and their mentors are far away from each other. The media and technology are the ways to communicate, discuss and internalize. Also the supplementary material such as printed books, e-books, journals has a prominent role to increase the student’s understanding. I’d add the importance of collaborative learning and the independence this process provides. **  ** I would use this definition to explain to my colleagues the difference between DE and traditional teaching. Where I worked both systems are being used and as teachers sometimes we do not know the differences as a result we don’t consider the differences to adapt our teaching methods and or techniques. **  ** I consider that most objectives have been met. I need to search more about the methodological issues related to development and the student-teacher interaction. I will read once again this information to get a better understanding. **  **<span style="color: green; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;">All of the assignments have helped me to verify what I’m learning, what’s new and how it connects to previous knowledge. I’m still struggling to keep up with everything but I will get used to it. Now I’m experiencing distance learning at its fullest and it’s not as easy as people think. **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;">