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Alternative Modes of Teaching and Learning

Alternative modes to delivery

Distributed Learning

Definition

DeLong argues that the exponential increase of material available on the web has the possibility to substantially alter the role of the university lecturer as arbiter of knowledge and to make the lecture itself redundant. The problems of increasing student numbers and decreasing resources usually result in suggestions of distance education as a possible solution where the student can be seen to be 'anywhere'. He however proposes William Graves' idea of distributed learning as an alternative to this perspective:

By contrast, distributed learning says that information can be anywhere and that the teacher and students can find and use it to create and transmit knowledge in non-traditional and arguably better ways (and, no, the students and teachers need not be in the same physical location, but that is secondary and may even be irrelevant.) Explosive growth of the web is the breakthrough that makes distributed learning possible.

From this perspective, the role of the lecturer is no longer to transmit knowledge (this is now available from a range of resources, including the web), the role of the lecturer is rather to facilitate "the acquisition of knowledge by teaching discernment" ie teaching students to think so that they can select the most valid, appropriate and relevant resources for their learning.

The Shroud of Lecturing
by Stephen E. DeLong
http://hawk.fab2.albany.edu/delong/shroud.htm

In a distributed learning system

a student's university career would not be through a particular place, time, or preselected body of academics, but, rather like their current explorations of the Net, through a network of their own making, yet endorsed by the DGB (Degree Granting Body) and its faculty. A student could stay home or travel, mix on-line and off-line education, work in clasess or with mentors, and take their own time.

Brown, John Seely & Duguid, Paul (1995) Universities in the Digital Age - Work in Progress, Heldref Corp., http://www.parc.xerox.com/ops/members/brown/
papers/university.html

Distributed learning is a type of distance learning incorporating technology with education focused on learner-centred or learning-teams often facilitated by a content expert and the ability to deliver anytime and anywhere.

Web-Enhanced Courses & Distributed Learning Systems: Extramural Programs: University of Illinois
http://talon.extramural.uiuc.edu/ws97/distributed/Powerpoint Presentation - Dist. Learning/sld021.htm

Advantages

• Obviates the need for lectures
• Alters the role of the lecturer allowing greater time to be focussed on the teaching and learning of critical appreciation
• Capitalises on the richness of available resources
• Flexible

Disadvantages

• The richness of available resources is dependent on the availability of technology
• May not suit all learners especially those who prefer a clearly structured and bounded learning environment
• Depends on the development of 'discernment'

Resources and References