Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/decoding-technology-professional-development-tools/5015866/
New tech tools make it possible to access online training, courses, and professional development “on demand” from home or work, and shop the Internet for courses, credentials, and degree programs that best meet your needs and interests.Tech Terms
• Distance Learning: An educational situation in which the instructor and students are separated by time and/or location. Means of instruction may include written correspondence by mail, text, graphics, audio- and videotape, online learning, audio- and videoconferencing, interactive TV, satellite broadcast, CD-ROM, DVD, and FAX.
• Face-to-face course: Classroom setting where the instructor and students are in the same room at the same time.
• Online course/Web-based course: Course information, materials, and assignments are stored on a Web site that students access and use online. May include text, graphics, audio, video, animation, electronic-reserve readings, threaded discussions, and chats.
Tech Tools
You need to be sure your tech tools (the computer hardware, software, and Internet connection you have access to) meet the requirements of your distance learning institution or organization. Here are two samples of tech requirements we found helpful:
• Georgia Virtual Technical College www.gvtc.org/tech.asp
• North Iowa Area Community College www.niacc.edu/progserv/distance/
olfaq.html#tech
It also helps if you can “talk the talk” when you need technical assistance from the “Help Desk.” There are ...