PXGT 6308 Class #2: 15th January 2009

This is the second class and I’m not in the class. Deeply regret it because I’m unable to attend the class due to work commitment in Langkawi.

On the previous week, we’re supposed to be prepared for the class by reading Chapter 1, 2 & 3 of the textbook. I manage to read till Chapter 2 only for this Week 2.

So that I’m not missed anything, I’m peeking other people blogs such Pat’s, Hana’s, Lee Chun’s (to name few) … and I found out this WEEK 2 talked and discussed about Distance Education, its definition, difference between DE and PJJ (Pendidikan Jarak Jauh) as well as some points regarding conventional education.

So, here are few points from my reading and understanding. Most of the points taken from the textbook downloaded over the Moodle.


What is Distance Education?
Defined by Simonson (2003): … institution-based, formal education where the learning group is separated, and where interactive telecommunications systems used to connect learners, resources and instructors.

There are four main components to the definition of distance education:
1. DE is institutionally based
2. Separation of teacher and student
3. Interactive telecommunications
4. Connecting learners, resources and instructors

DE also is a way of learning in which the learner is physically separated from the teacher; this distinguishes from conventional learning or face to face.

The trend for DE now; it is mostly offered to learners via electronic (either through Internet, video satellite, e-learning, LMS) replacing the traditional DE which use post-mail or printed packages.