What is Distance Learning

The next hurdle for adult basic education distance learning will be to transition from a low tech video based instructional system to the interactive Internet. In our judgment the interactivity, depth and breadth of the instructional content, and the student –  teacher communications provide a richer learning experience than the more passive video and print materials experience that is the current norm. This is precluded by several significant challenges, and the absence of current research supporting the viability of the Internet's effectiveness with adult basic education learners.

The availability of course length ESL video based instructional materials spurred the initial growth of adult basic distance learning in California. It is impractical to expect a profession of mostly part time teachers to be able to develop their own course length learning content. The California Distance Learning Project staff expects that the growing availability of online course length materials will likewise stimulate the transition to the Internet. One example of the popularity of an online course curriculum is English for All (EFA). This high beginning ESL Web site had over 213,700 visitors in 2005, of whom 65,319 were unique and 19,528 were persons visiting more than once.

Adult basic education classroom instructors are likely to increase their use of the Internet to supplement instruction. The cornucopia of online materials makes this easy to do. However, growing the availability of the Internet centered course length curricula for adult basic learners that include learning management systems (LMS) and communications tools will require commercial, state, university, and non–profit resources. Unfortunately, this is not a profitable development niche, and the development will require underwriting and public support. It will slowly emerge over the next 10 years.

California Considerations

Distance Learning Legislation

In 1993 the California legislature passed EC 52522 permitting the Superintendent of Public Instruction to approve adult school plans to spend up to 5% of their block entitlement on innovation and alternative instructional delivery. This authorization and the subsequent initiative are commonly known as the Innovation or 5% Program.

Education Code 52522 NEEDS OF ADULTS

(a) The Superintendent of Public Instruction may approve school district plans for adult education innovation and alternative instructional delivery. School districts making an application under this section shall demonstrate how the needs of adults will be addressed by programs, including, but not limited to:

• Work site adult basic education skills instruction.
• Distance learning using video and other communication technologies.
• Home-based and community-based independent study approaches using instructional technologies.
• Tests of alternative reimbursement approaches other than average daily attendance to determine whether they are reasonable and feasible, tot he extent that there is no decrease in the number of learners served nor an increase in cost to the state.

(b) School district approved to implement demonstration programs under this section may expend up to 5 percent of their adult block entitlement for implementation of approved programs.

Any adult school wishing to request authorization for the innovative programming submits an annual application to the California Dept. of Education. The online application is available on the California Department of Education's Adult Education Office's Innovation Program Web page. Authorized programs are required to submit an annual final report outlining program design, learners served, and accomplishments. These requirements may change. Click on "See participating adult schools" for examples of applications and reports.

In practice the distance learning approach is the primary use. Other program options so far have proven unfeasible (work site skills instruction and alternative reimbursement) or are really distance learning in concept (home-based and community based study).

Role of the Instructor

All California adult education apportionment programs administered by adult schools must have an instructor assigned to manage the instruction. This function cannot be delegated to second parties. Instructional strategies that include distance learning must clearly define how the learner and instructor will interact and communicate. Approaches that optimize the communications are important.

Current Uses

The Innovation Program began in earnest in 1995. Almost all the innovative programs have fallen under the California Distance Learning Project's definition of distance learning. This means that several key requirements must be met. They are:

• the separation of teacher and learner in space and/or time during at least a majority of each instructional process
• the provision of two-way communication between teacher, tutor, or educational agency and learner
• the use of educational media to unite teacher and learner and carry course content, and
• the volitional control of learning by student rather than distance instructor

The importance of the two-way communication cannot be overstated.

Approximately 50,000 unduplicated adult learners were enrolled in 2003 - 2004. In late 2005 89 adult schools have applied to operate Innovation Programs for the current fiscal year.

There are two approaches to distance learning in California - the hybrid or supplemental approach and the pure distance learning approach. The supplemental model has the learner enrolled in both classroom and distance learning classes, allowing him or her to extend learning opportunities. The pure distance learner cannot or will not attend classroom instruction and is served solely by remote learning.

Media Used in Distance Learning

The following figure summarizes the most popular adult school Innovation Program approaches approved for 2004 - 2005. Video / DVD checkout is by far the most popular. Text materials, workbooks, and study packets are used alone and with other instructional media.

The video and audio media normally are provided on a checkout basis with packets of printed materials and work assignments included. They constitute over 3/4ths of the recent and current innovative approaches. The checkout model is easy to manage unless large numbers of learners are involved. Recent additions to the video choices make this an appealing approach for learners who cannot regularly attend classroom centered learning.

The current use of the Internet as the primary instructional medium is limited. However, it will increase in its use as the low cost course-length curricula are available. The Internet as an interactive instructional delivery and communications system may redefine some aspects of distance learning. Internet based instruction is often described as "distributed learning" since the actual learning content may reside on multiple computers.

Accountability

Historically the approved Innovation Programs have been required to submit an annual application to be authorized and a self-evaluation report to summarize outcomes. The reporting requirements have been simple and easy to follow. One result was that the data and information were idiosyncratic to the reporting adult education program. In the spring of 2000 the California Dept. of Education appointed an ad hoc work group to review the need for more standardized reporting. In May 2000 administrators from the approved Innovation Programs suggested elements to be combined in a uniform reporting system. In 2001 the model was simplified further by the CDE. In the summer of 2002 an interactive online application was initiated.

The annual Innovation Program interactive application form is available on the Internet, and standardizes the accountability (demographic and program data) reporting based on the Tracking of Programs and Students (TOPSpro) Entry and Update records. (all adult schools are required to utilize these data elements as part of their apportionment related reporting.) Other information elements are descriptive and numeric in nature and will be idiosyncratic to the particular Innovation Program. The annual report form is available interactively on the Internet.

The California Distance Learning Project produces an annual statewide summary report summarizing the TOPSpro and CASAS pre - post test data for the Innovation Programs. The reports can be found at the California Distance Learning Project Web site (Innovation Program Reports).

Data on Program Participation

The distribution of unduplicated learners by area of instruction are shown for program years 2005 - 2006. ESL instruction has predominated since the Innovation Programs began in 1995. This is based on TOPSpro data.

Constraints

Three primary constraints face California adult schools wishing to provide distance learning as a delivery option. The independent study programs suffer from inadequate course materials. Many adult schools offering Innovation Programs have reached their cap and would like legislative permission to serve more learners. The smaller programs cannot generate enough instruction via the Innovation Program option to make it attractive.

California Trends

There seem to be two trends occurring at the same time. The video checkout low tech approach is increasing in popularity. It is easy to integrate into a program’s instructional strategies. The number of quality video products aimed at the adult basic learner is increasing.

At the same time Internet based instruction aimed at the adult basic learner is beginning to emerge. Preparing instructors to work with these online courses is a weak point as is the absence of online course length curricula.

Delivery Models

Video Checkout

The video checkout model is by far California's most popular distance learning approach. Typically, the adult learner will register at a school site and select distance learning as the instructional delivery method. Sometimes the learner learns about the distance learning option in a class or when reviewing class schedules and concluding that there are conflicts. Likewise, some students, especially ESL learners, enroll in both classes and distance learning to speed the learning process.

The learner, following assessment, assignment and orientation, is given a packet including an instructional video and work sheets. When the learner has completed the worksheets, he or she meets with the teacher or instructional aid to review progress and receive the next assignment. The nature of the work sheets and assignments vary by program, but often include work sheets and supplemental materials.

Some instructional video series are linear, requiring the learner to start with the first video and progress to the end. Other video series are organized into episodes that form the series, or they have a progression regarding the theme but not the instruction which permits a more random assignment of the videos.

The face to face intervention occurs when the video is dropped off. Since the learning is quite self directed, some learners will require substantial support while others will require little support. Portfolios are often developed for each learner to document progress and special activities.

Managing a video checkout program requires a sufficient supply of videos and print materials, scheduled times to meet with learners, and procedures to monitor individual progress. Hacienda La Puente, Alhambra Adult School, and Los Angeles Unified School District were the early adaptors of the video checkout system.

Telecourses

Traditional telecourses with the talking head and no interaction between the instructor and learner do not fit the CDLP distance learning definition. The interactivity is essential for learning theory, practical and legal reasons. However, it is difficult when television is the primary means of communication.

The California model is referred to as a "wrap around." It originated at the San Juan Unified Adult School through a local cable consortium. In California a few adult schools offer telecourses for their learners. In addition to the enrolled learners, there is an undefined informal learning audience of people who watch telecourses but are not enrolled.

What's a "wrap-around"?

In television news, a "wrap-around" is the term used to describe what is done to enhance with a pre-produced story. During a live broadcast, the anchor will set up the story for the viewers, for example a dangerous fire in a downtown warehouse. The scene will switch to a tape of the fire story produced in the field by the reporter; complete with crashing walls, daring rescues and roaring flames. After the taped fire footage including an interview with the fire chief is shown, the reporter will re-appear live on the scene. The anchor and the reporter may discuss the fire, commiserate about the victims and offer safety tips to the viewers.

In distance education, a "wrap-around" is the term used to describe what is done with a pre-produced educational video. During a live telecast, the teacher will set up the story for the students, for example a workplace situation where a new employee, with limited English proficiency, is learning how to operate the copy machine. The scene will switch to a tape of the workplace; complete with skilled actors playing the roles of new and experienced workers, a real office with real office equipment and ESL level-appropriate dialogue written by experts in the field of ESL education. After the video is over, the teacher will re-appear live and discuss the lessons learned in the video. At-home students will be encouraged to call-in live to discuss the video, practice speaking English and ask questions.

Both examples have many elements in common:

• Live teacher/anchor at the studio.
• Set up of the video before it is shown.
• Pre-produced video that is high quality, perhaps dramatic, colorful and full of production details that can't be easily done in the confines of a studio.
• After the video is shown the teacher/anchor returns live to discuss what the student/viewer has just seen.
• The reporter or call-in student has a common point of reference to discuss with the teacher/anchor because they have both seen the same video.
• The dialogue about the video is a two-way conversation between people at different locations. They speak at a distance.
• The live teacher/anchor adds additional material to enhance the story.
• The teacher/anchor isn't just a "talking head" in the studio describing the situation. The student/viewer sees the fire, sees the workplace; hears the reporter interview the chief, hears the experienced worker explain how to run the machine; learns about fire safety, learns about workplace safety.
• And in the case of distance education the student is invited to participate with the teacher during class, by calling the live cablecast.

Utilizing the "wrap-around" format in distance education is a low cost option that offers the high professional quality of pre-produced educational videos with the familiar comfort of a live local instructor. To be successful at reaching adult students and keeping them engaged, distance educators must adapt the techniques of teaching to include those of television that have proved to be successful. While teachers are able to base their lessons on materials that have been professionally produced, they still maintain control over the presentation and interpretation of the lessons shown. The live element of the class allows the students to participate and thus feel connected to the teacher.

The "wrap-around" concept offers the best of live and pre-produced classes on television. After all, who wants to just hear about an exciting event like a fire, when you may see it happening and talk about it live on television from the safety of your own living room?

Internet Delivery

There is a separate unit on Internet delivery. In all likelihood elearning will be commonly used over the next five years because of the interactivity, richness, and flexibility of the instructional materials.

Multi-media Resources

Curricula and learning materials have been constructed using video and print, CD-ROM and/or the Internet. This permits adult education organizations to adopt some or all the media into their curricula as circumstances permit. The products include the "English for All" high beginning ESL video, print, CD-ROM, and Internet course materials. Check out English for All. The very popular California Distance Learning Project's online TV news stories, redesigned for adult basic education learners, are continually upgraded. Click on any of the 11 home page icons for a wide variety of learning modules,exercises, and tests. Interactive ABE learning materials are available online at TV 411. Information on these products and course authoring tools can be found at Cyberstep.

The California Distance Learning Project

The California Distance Learning Project (CDLP) goal is to help expand learner access to adult basic education services in California. This goal has four major tasks:

• Build and Promote a Distance Learning Knowledge Base
• Provide Technical Assistance in Implementing Distance Learning
• Test New Instructional Delivery Methods / Materials
• Help Create a Statewide Distance Learning Infrastructure
• Explore the CDLP Web site. Also visit and bookmark the Outreach and Technical Assistance Network (OTAN) Web site. It is the largest and best repository of information and communications on adult basic education in the United States.

Both of these projects, supported by the California Department of Education, help incorporate instructional technology into adult basic education.

Next Steps

Ideally most adult basic education curricula should be delivered in multiple media, allowing the learner to take advantage of the variable times, media, and learning style options. Over the next five years the increased integration of web based learning with traditional learning will occur. Beginning ESL distance learning course length materials are scheduled to be available online in 2007. This was not considered possible ten years ago. Demand for this kind of material through on-line access continues to grow in California. The skill and drill activities associated with language acquisition can be provided using the visual and aural features of the Internet along with the interactivity of item testing and feedback.

The distance learning will remain as an alternative to and supplement for traditional classroom instruction, not a replacement.

Distance Learning Design

This section is a wide ranging discussion on designing a distance learning program. The level of detail goes from elementary to quite detailed.

Distance learning (DL) assumes that the learner is capable of self-direction, and the teacher is more facilitative than directive. While it is consistent with the precepts of andragogy and adult learning theory and practice, distance learning requires administrators and instructors to rethink instructional strategies and modalities, develop mechanisms to determine when and how to use DL and which learners can best benefit from it. A screening procedure to determine learning level, and a guided opportunity to experience the educational medium will help filter out learners who are not likely to function well in a self directed learning environment.

Distance learning usually comes in one or two forms — (1) distance learning only instruction where the learner operates independently for much of the instructional process; and (2) hybrid situations where classroom instruction is supplemented by distance learning. Both models have their advantages and disadvantages. Much of our discussion applies to both models, but focuses more on the distance learning only approach.

Elements in Distance Learning Design

Distance learning, like any learning intervention, is made up of a series of components or elements. It should be described in its entirety, since it may operate somewhat separately from traditional instruction. These are some of the components to be addressed in designing a distance learning program.

• Identify the targeted learner.
• Establish the program goals and objectives.
• Define the outreach and recruitment strategies.
• Determine the intake, testing and enrollment procedures. This should include screening for self directedness.
• Provide learner orientation and assignment
• Define instructor selection, orientation, training, and support.
• Identify the instruction strategies and materials. They should fit your course outlines.
• Develop structured and ad hoc learner support activities.
• Pilot test the materials and modify as required.
• Determine the learner data collection requirements including learning gains and learning achievements and affective measures of motivation and self esteem.
• Define the program data collection requirements.
• Design a self correcting program evaluation system. Include systematic learner and instructor feedback in the system.
• Implement and modify the distance learning program as experience indicates.
• Report findings and conclusions to key stakeholders.

It is not unusual for an adult education program to initially experiment with distance learning, using a small, low tech intervention. The CDLP staff encourages this approach and recommend using the video checkout model as the intervention.

The Constructivist Approach

A learning model becoming accepted for distance learning is based on the constructivist theory that views learning as socially constructed and situated in a specific context — the learner constructs meaning for him or herself. The model is based on the presumption that learning occurs in collaboration with others and in the social world of the learners. The design challenge becomes one of creating learning modules and curricula that require the learner to mediate and construct meaning with the help of others. More emphasis is placed on facilitating the learning and learning experience and less on the content. The communications and interactive aspects of learning take on greater importance.

In our judgment this approach has particular utility with higher level English as a second language (ESL) and adult basic education instruction (ABE) design and less for GED preparation. For more information go to constructivism.

Ties to Your Technology Infrastructure

Initially distance learning design may or may not be tied to creating the organization's technology infrastructure. However, over time the ability to provide learning alternatives to adults outside the traditional classroom requires evaluating technological alternatives.

The technology utilization literature identifies two viewpoints on how to build a organization's technological infrastructure. Usually it's believed that a organization with fewer rules, greater independence, and feeling of self security makes innovation and creativity more likely. This view implies that technological innovation is a series of discrete technical decisions that will occur based on informal relations in the organization. This view holds that one cannot systematically plan technological changes.