Distance Learning Technology, Current Instruction, and the Future of Education

Abstract

means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without written permission from the publisher. Product or company names used in this set are for identification purposes only. Inclusion of the names of the products or companies does not indicate a claim of ownership by IGI Global of the trademark or registered trademark. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication DataDistance learning technology, current instruction, and the future of education : applications of today, practices of tomorrow / Holim Song, editor. p. cm.Includes bibliographical references and index. Summary: "The aim of this book is to explore current state and future direction of distance education from different research fields, reports and discussions from students, faculty members, researchers, and practitioners in the field of distance education, training development, and performance improvement"--Provided by publisher.ISBN 978-1-61520-672-8 (hardcover) --ISBN 978-1-61520-673-5 (ebook) 1. Distance education--Computer-assisted instruction. 2. Educational technology. I. Song, Holim. ABSTRACTAs students increasingly engage with alternative social networking (or realities) there is a scope for educators to explore whether they pose opportunities for rethinking learning and teaching spaces. The authors argue that there is a requirement to shift away from mapping traditional thinking about what constitutes a learning experience when considering virtual worlds. This chapter draws upon two case studies that have provided two distinctly different learning designs for Logistics students and pre-service teachers. These cases, alongside a comprehensive review of the use of virtual worlds in education will draw out issues and factors which need to be considered when pursuing virtual worlds as learning spaces. Specifically, discussion and recommendations will have a focus on pedagogical, organisational, equity and access, cultural, economic and social factors relevant to the use of virtual worlds in distance education.