DimDim/Week 2

I was very impressed with this week’s synchronous meeting using DimDim. The capability to not only share screens, but also access each others' files in real-time is extremely powerful. I also like the fact that the host has the ability to assign privileges to the individual attendees. Another nice feature was the icons that enabled the users to see the status of each attendee, whether they are experiencing difficulties, have a question, or have temporarily left the session. Some of the weaknesses that I noticed were that I did not see an option to call in. This was one of the features that I liked with Talkshoe. Even if you were unable to access a computer, you could still attend a session. Another weakness was when multiple people talked simultaneously. It would be nice if there were an option to establish a hierarchy so that all audio would cease when the host speaks. Overall, DimDim is the closest that I’ve experienced to an actual face to face class for an online meeting.

From my recent experiences, it seems to me that e-learning developers are creating tools that are focusing more and more on interaction, not only between students and their instructors, but students with fellow students. One example that comes to mind is Voicethread. This site allows students to comment on media, communicating asynchronously. I have also noticed that the implementation of wikis are becoming more common. These forms of interaction allow for a type of learning that is both collaborative and communicative.

Finally, I believe that the reason for different definitions for distance learning can be attributed to the advancement of technology. As the tools used to facilitate distance learning evolve, so too will the definition. Also, as distance learning crosses over to areas other than institutions designated specifically for learning, variations of the term will continue to emerge. As for e-learning, the text cautions not to confuse it with distance learning. It also notes that e-learning is considered an outdated term (and this was as of 2004). I view e-learning as a broader term that encompasses all forms of teaching and learning that utilize the computer, whereas distance learning is divided into more specific components.