Distance Learning

Amy Tvedt's
MSET Portfolio

Distance Learning

Distance Learning

Since beginning the MSET program one area that has really caught my attention and broadened my horizons is distance learning. Coming into the program, I was familiar with interactive videoconferencing or DDN systems and quickly became aware of how online classes worked after completing my first semester in the program. However, it was during the Principles of Learning for Instructional Technology class that I discovered another area of distance learning that truly fascinated me and provided a dream career. Virtual schools are a fast growing reality and with my love for education and technology, teaching in a virtual school may become a reality.

Projects completed that relate to distance learning: (Click on the class to see detailed information about the class and the goals/objectives I feel I achieved during the class.)

Learning How to Teach Using Interactive Videoconferencing is one of the courses I transferred into the program. Although I do not have any projects available for viewing, I completed many activities that allowed me to learn and experience teaching with Interactive Videoconferencing. One of the assignments we had to do was to modify an existing lesson that we used in our regular classroom and present it to our classmates using the technology that is available with Interactive Videoconferencing.

Principles of Learning for Instructional Technology (LT 712) was the first course I took in the MSET program and it was during this class that my perception of distance learning was broadened. Already being aware of interactive videoconferencing or the DDN system, I was now introduced to learning online via WebCT. It was also in this class that I learned about virtual schools when I did my final paper for the class, "Preparing for the Future of Virtual Schooling."

During the Introduction to Distance Education (LT 741) class I was able to expand my understanding of preparing to teach a distance class. I took the opportunity with the final project to design a chapter from my Algebra class that could be taught online. Due to copyright permissions I only have the introduction and the first lesson available.

For my Practicum (CET 795) I continued what I began in LT 741, by modifying algebra lessons in chapters 3, 4, and 5 so they could be taught online. These chapters were then placed on our school network with permission from the book company and then used by the students while I was on maternity leave. Again due to copyright permissions the same introduction and lesson from LT 741 are provided.