B L E S S I E E RA TA L A D U C O ND O N N A P E N T O N

R OX A N N E C L A I R E RA M O S

PROVIDING ACCESS TO CONTINUING EDUCATION

THROUGH DISTANCE LEARNING

DISTANCE LEARNING

•Distance Learning

• Is often referred to as open, flexible, borderless, individualized or independent study system.

• It is a unique instruction system briefly described as self-study, part-time study, home/workplace-based system or simply beyond-the-walls of learning.

• It is increasingly gaining popularity and regular patronage in both developed and developing countries all over the world.

• With the current thrust of the educational leaders to provide access to great number of adult and out-of-school population, the need for distance education is a must.

• The rationale for offering instruction via distance education system includes:

• 1. reach out to distant dwellers without a regular means of transportation

• 2. allow adults who missed the chance to join the regular school system during their youth

• 3. catch those who are employed and can leave the workplace only on a part time schedule

• 4. cater to those who have learning difficulties and need specialized training

• 5. provide learning suited to the needs of indigenous communities

BENEFITS:

• 1. development of greater self-confidence

• 2. strong feeling of self-fulfillment

• 3. strong sense of achievement

• 4. possibility of discovering new modes of learning

PROGRAMS

•One of the functions of a university is to provide extension services.

• 1. short skills training programs to reach out to communities in far-flung areas

• 2. offer one to two-month flexible school-based/in-service courses to update teachers and other professionals

• 3. offer complete courses to be credited with academic units that could lead to a specialization or degree

MODES OF DELIVERY

• Instruction through distance education can be extended through a number of modes:

• 1. MODULAR INSTRUCTION• 2. TELEVISION BROADCAST• 3. RADIO BROADCAST• 4. ACCESS THROUGH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

MODULAR INSTRUCTION

• The most common mode is through prints in the form of teaching modules.

• Learner is required to tackle a segment of the course content or perform activities that are intended to achieve an objective.

• Evaluation of learning and understanding can be in the form of application questions at the end of each module or learner’s narrative reflections form or the usual examination format.

TELEVISION BROADCAST

• Sequential lessons in English, Science or Math can be translated into 30-minute episodes and followed through a specified time slots.

• After viewing a complete unit and passing the examination, 1 or 2 credit units may be awarded by an assigned accrediting center.

RADIO BROADCAST

• This mode is easier to prepare and inexpensive in terms of learning materials needed.

• It can reach far and sometimes inaccessible communities.

• The fastest means of dissemination.

ACCESS THROUGH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

• Interactive multimedia and on-line information services are being utilized for direct tutor and student contact.

• Computer assisted learning materials and problem solving software are widely used.

• Video and audio cassettes are easily available.

COULD DISTANCE LEARNING BE THE ANSWER?

• This open learning system is yet to prove to be the answer to the perennial problems in the educational system. However, it is an innovation in teaching and learning that promises to be challenging and creativity-intensive for the school administrators and at the same time offering a positive and rewarding experience for the learner.

• It is indeed worth trying.

ON THE TEACHER

TEACHERS MAKE DIFFERENCE

• Teachers make difference in the education of children. Upon their shoulders lay the future of the youth.

• They wield enormous influence in instilling upon the growing minds a passion for learning.

• Teachers with profound professional thinking and practice, securely rooted in sound values and personal attributes would go as far as they reach out for the minds and hearts of the young.

DEFINITIVE TEACHER PERSONALITY

• Fully assigned with the guidance of the young, a close look at the attributes that make up the ultimate teacher is hereby listed:

• 1. mental ability• 2. personal qualities• 3. social traits• 4. aptitude• 5. values and attitudes• 6. competence

A. MENTAL ABILITY

• Should be endowed with an above-average or higher intelligence quotient to be able to tackle a four-year bachelors degree in teaching.

• The mentally gifted exhibits higher-order thinking skills such as creative and critical thinking skills.

• Intelligent teachers manifest tremendous capacity to adopt their teaching styles to the children’s interests, abilities and needs.

B. PERSONAL QUALITIES

• The teachers personality is his own identity and individuality.

• A friendly, pleasant and cordial disposition is most winsome.

• A healthy sense of humor is eagerly anticipated in every classroom.

• Neatness and cleanliness are admirable habits.

• Orderliness in maintaining discipline is a mark of a good classroom management ability.

• Physical appearance make up a big percentage in the personality pie.

• Students fondly remembers remarkable teachers who have influenced the development and growth of their own personal qualities.

C. SOCIAL TRAITS

• Because teachers must encourage children to work harmoniously in groups, they must themselves be able to work and behave accordingly in social setting.

• A teacher can elicit cooperative spirit and a selfless sharing of resources among the members.

• Respect for the rights of others and considering ideas and suggestions of others are commendable attributes that promote democratic interactions.

• The ability to unify members with divergent ideas and behavior promote the attitude of tolerance and togetherness.

D. APTITUDE

• “She is a born teacher”• “A teacher is born”

• Innate love for children is dominant in teacher’s range of traits.

• Aptitude often refers to one’s inclination to learn and understand.

• A strong inclination and determination to guide the children in the pursuit of knowledge is exhibited by teachers who are born to teach.

• A teacher possesses a multifaceted character that makes her ready to tackle varied duties and obligations.

E. VALUES AND ATTITUDES

• Three C’s stand out among the teachers repertoire of values and attitudes.

• 1. COMMITMENT• 2. CREATIVITY• 3. COMPASSION

COMMITMENT

• Commitment indicates strong pledge. A teacher’s commitment to his profession should be above the average.

• A teacher who is committed is true to his words. He will faithfully pursue to fulfillment any planned undertaking, in or out of the classroom, with or without recognition.

• He demonstrates a strong determination to improve and facilitate learning.

• He is ready and willing to accept responsibility, regardless of time constraints and personal inconvenience.

CREATIVITY

• A creative teacher is rich in imagination and originality.

• She is flexible and keeps on trying new ways of doing things, a trait dubbed as innovativeness.

• Creative lessons and teaching devices never fail to arouse the curiosity and interest of the students.

• New things always attract and sustain attention.

• New procedures motivate and excite the learners in the activity.

COMPASSION

• A teacher should exceed with compassion for the children under her charge.

• Shows caring attitude towards her words and actions.

• Ability to feel with others, sympathize when others are feeling low and empathize with and pity whoever needs it.

• A compassionate teacher can mold a humane and benevolent society, starting with merciful and good-natured children.

F. COMPETENCE

• It spells success in the teaching profession.

• It focuses on ones abilities in terms of knowledge of subject matter and skills in teaching methodologies.

• Competence in both knowledge and skills is gained initially during pre-service training and continued throughout their stay in the field.

• A continuous updating of content as well as practice in new instructional delivery modes make up the quality training programs that can guarantee growth and advancement in the teaching profession.

• Competent teachers produces competent students.

• As a concluding statement, a definitive teacher personality is a picture of one who possesses outstanding mental, personal and social traits, has a strong aptitude and interest in teaching the young, step in worthwhile values and attitudes and competent in both content and teaching methodologies.