Independent Study Research Site

Distance Education Technology and the Online Classroom
An Examination of Online Learning Technology and Its Contribution to Learning Effectiveness

Topic: Issues involved with technology used for online education. This would include software, hardware, and Internet integration. Key questions: Who are the current players? How do they compare to each other? How does technology enhance or detract from the student and instructors online learning experience?

Given the high levels of Internet usage by college age young adults and usage of the Internet as the primary delivery mechanism for online learning, researching the issues associated with the technology used to support learning and teaching in this new environment would be beneficial from both practical and academic perspectives. As the two primary participants in the learning process, students and teachers approach the online learning experience from different perspectives and have separate/similar issues interacting with the technology and each other through a virtual interface. Of interest, is the contribution of technology to this leaning experience and how does it affect the online learning experience for both the student and teacher.

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