First Generation
Characterized by use of printed learning materials that were posted to and from the learning institution.
Second generation
Came with the introduction of television, radio and audio tapes as means of delivering instructions. Public telephone lines also formed an important component through which communication was achieved during this phase of distance learning development.
Third Generation
Marked by the emergence of an industrialized and globalized world with platforms such as satellites that allow analogue and digital communication from one station to other remote stations around the world.
Fourth Generation
These new technologies have introduced real time communication between the learner and the teacher through video-conferencing while at the same time utilizing enhanced computer network linkages through which the learning materials and appropriate feedback is sent (Moore and Kearsley, 1996).
Theoretical Framework
Wide Area Network (WAN) is gaining popularity among many institutions because it is more reliable and secure. Many companies are establishing Virtual Private Network (VPN) integrated within their core business lines to cater for the remote employees.
This technique has come in handy for learning institutions that are using it to reach remote learners that may not be able to access their campuses.
A well connected and operational VPN allows an institution to reach greater geographical area while at the same time improving system security through relatively low costs when compared to WAN.
Present and Emerging Technologies available for Distance Learning
Second life Computer Software
Second life is a fast emerging online virtual world that offers a 3-dimensional environment in which people can remotely interact and carry out functions that are simulated into real-life experiences through computer programmes (Bourke, 2009).
Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) Technology
DWDM is a form of communication that is based on optics that allows the already established fibre optic system to expand in bandwidth and therefore supporting transmission of information of different wavelengths on a common optical medium (Littman, 2002).
Tele-Presence Technology
This kind of technology allows distant learning programmes to use more real teaching methods through video-conferences that create more interactive sessions where the remote learners get an enhanced “feel” for the lecturer. Tele-presence solutions have made it possible to overcome geographical barriers by integrating the existing internet technology.
Wireless Technologies
These devices makes use of IEEE 802.11 wireless protocol to offer services for mobile students who use wireless networks to carry out their lessons with no interruptions during their travels (Moore, 2007).
Benefits of Modern Technologies on Education Delivery
Researches shows that about 40% of the total expenses in traditional learning was taken up by factors that were not directly related to learning process itself, for example travelling costs (Syed, 2001)
Limitations of Modern Technologies on Education Delivery
Some learners may not be comfortable reading text materials on a screen and also the service may not be available to those who are visually handicapped (Carsell, 1998).
Due to large number of students and long distances involved in distance learning the interaction between learners and teachers is limited even in synchronous techniques.
References
Bourke, P. (2009). Evaluating Second Life for the collaborative exploration of 3D fractals. Computers & Graphics, 33(1), 113-117.
Carswell L. (1998). The ‘Virtual University’: Toward an Internet paradigm? In: Proceedings of 6th Annual Conference on the Teaching of Computing/3rd Annual Conference on Integrating Technology into Computer Science Education on Changing the Delivery of Computer Science Education.
Littman, M.K. (2006). Building Broadband Networks. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.
Moore, M. (2007). Web 2.0: Does it Really Matter? American Journal of Distance Education, 21 (4), 177 – 183.
Moore, M. G., & Kearsley, G. (1996). Distance education: a systems view. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
Syed, M. (2001). Diminishing the distance in distance education. IEEE Multimedia:18–21.