Distance Learning

Cultural Connections, Shared

Learning Space, and other
Disadvantages and Advantages

Distance learning allows a single class to

have a diverse geographical makeup
Allows children
to bridge
geographic
regions
together:

Children can experience a culture

they may never travel to no
commuting!
With webcams, podcasts, and
other forms of long-distance
communication and education,
children can be physically
involved in learning about
different cultures.
Children can ask questions, get
correct answers, dispel
stereotypes, and experience
similarities between themselves
and children of other cultures

Distance Learning can help children

Learn Other Languages
Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Children can discuss their culture

first hand. Ask questions and get
them answered by a peer from
different region.
Multiple ways of communicating:
videos, podcasts, and webcams
Children can hear the correct way
to pronounce a word and understand
what a word means.
Tell me and I forget, teach me and
I may remember, involve me and I
learn Ben Franklin

Need to plan for time

zone differences, may be
difficult to set up a set
time to talk
Must have a computer
and internet connection

Students can explore World Cultures

through Art
Many art museums offer a Distance Learning option where video
conferencing is used to bring the museum into the classroom
The Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Museum of Fine Arts in
Boston both offer such a program
Other museums offer virtual tours and online activities for students
The Louvre, Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the British
Museum are a few that offer this

World Cultures through Art

Field trips are not always
possible because of
budget and cost
restrictions, so this
virtual field trip is a great
alternative
Students can get up close
to works of art from
many different cultures
Museums from across the
world can be accessed

Photo of the Arab Museum of Modern Art http://www.designhome.ae/mathaf-arab-museumof-modern-art-doha-qatar/

Internet and video

conferencing
requires certain
resources and may
not always be
reliable

Technology can Unify Students

The use of technology in distance learning courses unifies

students in different locations and of different cultures.
Improvements in Internet accessibility mean that greater
numbers of students can participate in distance-learning
classrooms.
Students have the opportunity to collaborate with others
around the world. They can share their cultures in ways that
would be impossible otherwise.
The benefits of distance learning was recognized early on:
Pilot distance learning programs, such as a joint venture
between the Milwaukee Public Museum and the Milwaukee
School District found that, there was uniform consensus
by the students and teachers that the program was a
success. The students not only got the primary content
provided by the Museum, but they also got the opportunity
to interact and share with their peers in widely separated
geographic parts of the state.

Retrieved from: http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/fosrec/Johnson.html

Exposure to Other Cultures helps

students Problem-Solve
Students who may only be culturally
conscious of their own society can
expand their horizons by experiencing
other cultures
Increased cultural awareness leads in
turn to increased problem-solving ability
Students who are exposed to other
cultures can utilize new and
unconventional problem-solving methods
by imitating other educational ideals
Increased cultural awareness leads also
to increased cultural sensitivity, creating
intelligent, educated citizens

More Positives of Distance Learning

Opportunities to create partner or sister schools in other areas of the world
allow students to explore different cultures without leaving the classroom.
Students can build relationships with the students of another classroom
through DL. Instructors may have the opportunity to create multiple lessons
with other teachers via distance learning to create a consistent interaction
with the same classroom.
With distance learning, students can exchange their ideas, beliefs, cultural
norms, holidays, etc. with other students. This opportunity provides a climate
that may broaden student perspective and create understanding of anothers
culture.
Through the distance learning technology, students have the opportunity to
take part in collaborative communication similar to that of an in person
conversation. This allows students to ask questions and receive immediate
feedback. This immediate feedback my allow for collaborative student
projects or presentations with students across the world!

Thanks for Reading!

All stock photography courtesy of morguefile.coms free photo archive unless
otherwise noted.

All photographs are public domain and copyright-free.

This slideshow was created by:
Kristen Corcoran
Lisa Kisling
Marc Molnar
Lisa Tanno
Jacob Wiker
for ETE 501: Technology Strand w/ Dr. Aries Cobb.