RESEARCH PAPER TEMPLATE

North American University

Education Department
M.Ed. in EDLE & CUIN
EDUC 5324: INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY INTO EDUCATION

Name: YILDIZ ERBAP Date: 27/07/2019

Topic Selected: Topic 1: Traditionally, distance education courses lack face-to-face

interaction. What are the consequences of lack of interaction in distance education? What can
be done to increase interaction in distance education (online courses) so that same type of
learning can occur with face-to-face learning?

1. LITERATURE REVIEW:
What does the literature/research say about this issue/topic? By using NAU
Library or Online Search engines, conduct a literature review.
 You need to include 5 different sources (book, journal article, web article
etc.) in your review. Try to use current sources as much as possible.
 You need to summarize and synthesize your sources by discussing a
common theme or issue.
 You don't need to critique your sources
 You don't need to evaluate your sources (if the sources are trustworthy,
weather the author has a bias or not)
 You need to provide background information such as history and
definitions
INTRODUCTION:
Distance education is a sector in the education field that relies on information technology and
instructional programs that prepare students to learn in a non-traditional classroom setting. In
this particular learning environment, communication efforts between the teacher and student are
channeled through a line of interchangeable printed or electronic material directed by any
suitable tool of technology. Distance education is the delivery of instruction and the fulfillment of
coursework from a remote location that allows a shared educational interaction between the
instructions and students without actually being in the same place at the same time. Distance
education has become a popular option for institutions and students alike who are seeking online
avenues as a way of continuing their education.
Advantages of Distance Education
Online distance education is rapidly increasing among mainstream universities in the United
States, where online doctoral programs have even developed at prestigious research institutions
(Hebert, D.G. 2017). Distance education plays a vital role in the field of education today, as well
know there I no substitution for the regular education system however., distance education has
many advantages. Taking advantage of distance education provides many learners with the
opportunity to balance their personal and professional lives. It is a great alternative for individuals
who are seeking training and growth in their careers. Also, distance education form “a critical
pressure point for challenging the dominant assumptions and characteristics of existing
traditionally organized universities in the 21st century” (Hanna, 1998).
Disadvantages of Distance Education
Distance education will remain as part of e-learning, web-based learning through virtual
classrooms and digital teamwork, where contents will continue to be delivered through the
internet, audio, videotape, conferencing through video, satellite, etc. (Hedge 2004: 128-145). As
this need for distance education continues to be proven, distance education possesses some
immanent disadvantages as well. The basic aspect of distance education is not exactly for all
students as it presents deficiencies or relatively no actual physical contact with other students
and instructors. The lack of social interaction in a non-traditional classroom setting is not
beneficial for all students. The opportunity for networking in a distance education environment is
slim to none and doesn’t provide options for the possibility of career advancement. Overall
distance education takes away one of the most positive
Attributes to continued education in a higher learning environment and that is its ability to
provide spoken communication ability for students.

Conclusion
The number of distance education courses is growing (Hanna, 1998; National Center for Education
Statistics, 1998; Rahm and Reed, 1998; Roberts, 1996). Distance education is not a recent trend
however; it has increased over the years due to advance technology. The delivery of distance
education will continue to emerge as a strong education opportunity as many individuals continue
to search for self or career growth. As distance education continues to experience transformation
and has and will reach a level of saturation much is further to be explored and presented in the
field of education. Many institutions are providing the best of the best regarding advanced
equipment, technology, and database to put forth distance education to an increasing population
that desires higher education out of a traditional classroom setting.

2. REFLECTION:
 What is your personal opinion on this issue? Do you agree with the
research? If you agree or disagree, please explain why?
 Provide examples/experiences regarding this issue from school
perspective or If you are not working in a school, from your profession. Be
specific with your examples. You can mention software/hardware names,
specific methods that you plan to use, etc.
 How would you implement this research in your career? (At least 1
paragraph)

Reflection:
My personal opinion regarding distance education is positive as I am a distance education student.
I am in favor of the research conducted regarding the advantages of distance education. I find
distance education to be a substantial and responsive learning experience through which I can
learn at my convenience and pursue my higher education efforts to the highest level of my desired
degree. Distance education is a perfect fit for me especially because I am a full-time stay at home
mom of for whom also home schools, my children. Distance education allows me the capability
to continue to have a flexible schedule and continue to manage my responsibilities with my family;
this aspect of my life is a priority and is extremely important to me. Interactive systems such as
the internet, e-mail and video conferencing permit my job as a stay home/home school mom the
opportunity of experiment with various, but unique approaches to teaching and learning in a
distance education setting.
3. REFERENCES:
 Cite at least 5 References in APA.
 You may use http://www.citationmachine.net/apa/cite-a-journal for citing
your sources in APA style.

References:

D.E. Hanna, 1998. “Higher education in an era of digital competition: Emerging

organizational methods,” Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks, volume 2, number
1, at http://www.aln.org/alnweb/journal/vol2_issue1/hanna.htm

D. Rahm and B.J. Reed, 1998. “Tangled webs in public administration: Organizational
issues in distance learning,” Public Administration and Management, volume 3, number
1.

Hebert D.G. (2007). “Five Challenges and Solutions in Online Music Teacher Education,”
Research and Issues in Music Education, Vol. % Web:
http://www.stthomas.edu/rimeonline/

Hedge, N. and Hayward, L. 2004 ”Redefining roles: University e-learning contributing to

Lifelong learning in a networked world.” E-Learning, 1: (128-145)

J.M. Roberts, 1996. “The story of distance education: A Practitioner’s perspective,”

Journal of the American Society for information Science, volume 47, number 11, pp. 811-
816.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1097-4571(199611)47:11<811::AID>3.0.CO:2-5

National Center for Education Statistics, 1998. “Issue brief: Distance education in higher
education institutions: Incidence, audiences, and plans to expand,”
at http://nces.ed.gov/pubs98/98132.html