1. Is distance -delivered instruction of the same quality as traditional instruction?
To start with, I believe that it might not be affective as the traditional instruction. Every things in our lives have two sides; negative and positive one. Thus, distance education is a viable option since there are many students who use it and get degree through it. this system helps to bridge the gap between the students and the institutes .A recent survey of higher education in the United States reported that more than 2.35 million students enrolled in online courses in fall 2004.4 This report also noted that online education is becoming an important long-term strategy for many postsecondary institutions. Given the rapid growth of online education and its importance for postsecondary institutions, it is imperative that institutions of higher education provide quality online programs. So, these results are evidence on its effectiveness.
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2. How does teaching a distance education class affect a teacher workload?
I think they work harder, especially the old teacher they will struggle to overcome technological barriers, but can find a variety of assistance if they have Internet access .However, having internet access costs money and teachers should be in touch with the students all day.Distance learning has varying positive and negative effects on teachers. In addition, distance learning courses can give teachers more flexibility and let them perform their jobs from anywhere. It has enabled teachers to remain up-to-date with the latest educational research, allowing them to incorporate cutting-edge teaching strategies in the classroom
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3. How can cheating be managed in a distance environment?
There are many ways to reduce or limit cheating. First, teachers can set a time limit to the exam. Blackboard allows you to set a start time and an end time to exams. the teacher can monitor database for pairs early in term. Quizzing system could then eliminate possibility of common questions in all future quizzes for suspected collaborating pairs. Also, teacher can incorporate questions that require a long or short answer response .Besides, using a password to protect exams. Delivering the test/quizzes "orally" through chat will prevent any kind of cheating where the teacher meet with students individually online and test/quiz them on course content. Finally, the teachers can display one question at a time instead of displaying the entire test. Also, they can set test to not allow multiple attempts.
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4. What kinds of technology need to be acquired for distance education?
First of all teacher must have a computer, printer, fax and internet accesses, and for sure how to use the internet with it’s all components; send emails, how to attach files. Besides the ability to use the following programs; Microsoft word, PowerPoint and Excel. Also, they need to know how to set a video conference. To conclude, this type of technology involves video conferencing, web conferencing, internet radio, live streaming, telephone and web based VoIP as modes of transferring education and teachers must know how to use them.
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5. Is the investment in distance education technology worth the return?
For many associations, it does. Sometimes the online material could be an investment when the return on investment based upon the costs to produce these materials maximized. Also, it is good investment for the students.
6. What are the challenges facing teachers in Palestine to apply and develop DE?
There are many restrictions; the political situation, limited sources,scarcity of experienced teachers and economic situation in Palestine put off this type of learning. However, there are a few universities that provide distance education, such as Al-Quds Open University. Beside, The Birzeit University has started the Ritaj portal,which provides on line information on the administrative and material services to the students. The Islamic University of Gaza has also started an E – learning center, which offers on line teaching content to the students. On line training facility for the staff is provided and sharing of expertise with video conferencing is also encouraged.
Distance learning applies an extra significant importance to the Palestinians due to their society and culture. For example, women and mothers who can’t physically attend classes at the traditional universities in Palestine find the solution to continue their education via distance learning.
Resources:
http://www.mapsofworld.com/palestine/education/e-learning.html
