Blog 2 - Spring 2007

Video Conferencing is becoming more available for schools and education when distance learning is occurring. In an article entitled, “ The Effectiveness of Interactive Distance Education Technologies in K-12 Learning: A Meta-Analysis,” Catherine Cavanaugh researched the use of video conferencing on distance learning and the effects it has on learning different content areas. The results that were found concluded that distance learning can be enhanced and is just as comparable to traditional learning with the enhancement of the use of technology. Also, between subject area, grade level and class there was found to be no difference in performance among students. Furthermore the use of technologies such as video conferencing and various telecommunications can enhance, complement and expand options for students especially among students of the secondary grade level. Cavanaugh further explains that enhancements such as video conferencing and telecommunications can help teachers and classroom environments achieve authentication with subject matter. Now that education has turned to becoming reality based learning, in order for learners to be prepared for the real world.

5 disciplines:
Personal Mastery: This was achieved in this study by having the students set goals with contacting and communicating with each other and teachers through different technologies in order to achieve an academic performance they themselves were striving to achieve.
Shared Vision- The shared vision was for academic achievement, enhancement and learning to occur through distance learning by using the new technology tools that the students, staff and faculty were given. This was achieved by placing the students in an authenticate setting and having them explore themselves and by communicating with each other to reach a common goal.
Team Learning – This occurred with the collaborations that students were given, the small groups and discussions that lessons, units and learning was planned around using video conferencing, telecommunications and a variety of other technologies.

References: Cavanaugh, C. et al. (2001). The Effectiveness of Interactive Distance Education Technologies in K-12 Learning: A Meta-Analysis. Retrieved: April 20, 2007, from UNF International Journal of Education Telecommunications

Website: http://www.unf.edu/~ccavanau/CavanaughIJET01.pdf