Section 7: New Directions for Instructional Design and Technology:

Distributed Learning- 5 Examples

The U.S. Army Distributed Learning System: (Skill Based) 

https://www.dls.army.mil/dls_about.html

Distributed Learning System (DLS) is a modernized information technology infrastructure that provides access to individual and collective training, Army Modernization Training (AMT), and self-development courses to Soldiers and units, anywhere, anytime using multiple means and technologies. The Program provides access to training for the Active Army, the U.S. Army Reserves, the Army National Guard, and Department of Army Civilians at no cost to the individual or unit. DLS supports the Army goals of improved individual and unit readiness, less disruption of Army families, standardization of training and training management across the Army, and cost savings/cost avoidance for training events, while maintaining the quality of the training experience.

 University of North Texas: (Academic Distributed Learning)

The Distributed Learning Librarianship program is designed for graduates planning on working in a library or information center that supports distributed learning. The goals of this program are to provide a grounding in information and telecommunication technologies that underpin distributed learning, an understanding of copyright and intellectual property issues, and a knowledge of the issues facing those providing library services to students in a distributed learning environment.

K12: (Virtual Classes)

http://www.k12.com/educators/home

K¹² is the leader in online learning for grades K through 12 for two fundamental reasons: we develop our own curriculum, widely regarded as the highest quality available online, and we are devoted to fulfilling the promise of education for every child.  In that spirit, we invite you to discover who we are and how we inspire learning.

Texas A&M Distance Education: (For-Profit Distributed Learning)

http://distance.tamu.edu/

Do you have an undergraduate (bachelors) degree, but find yourself needing more? Would your career get a boost by your having a graduate degree from a respected, accredited university? Is quitting your job and returning to campus for two years simply not an option?

Texas A&M University may have the answer for you. We offer graduate-level degree and certificate programs in formats accessible beyond the traditional campus. Texas A&M currently offers several graduate degrees via either online, videoconference, or remote classrooms.  We offer only a few undergraduate agricultural courses.  They can be found here.  Approved Distance Education degrees and certificates at Texas A&M University comply with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's Principles of Good Practice for Academic Degree Certificate Programs and Credit Courses Offered Electronically (PDF).

Joyce Meyer Ministries: (Free Distributed Learning)

http://www.joycemeyer.org/AboutUs/Default.aspx

Who We Are- Joyce Meyer Ministries is a Christian-based non-profit organization that's financially supported by contributions from friends and partners of the ministry.

What We Do- Through the teachings and calling God has given to Joyce, Joyce Meyer Ministries is dedicated to sharing God's love and the life-changing message of the Bible with the world through TV, radio, various media productions, live conferences and this website.

Reusability and Redesign

There are many online courses that I have taken and it feels as though I have always had to teach myself. I realize that at a certain point in education that the learner is responsible for exploring to learn the information but then exactly what is the teacher there for if I continue to read a syllabus, complete assignments, turn them in and get a grade. Many times there is no feedback and guidance when I take online courses. Professor Wickersham at Texas A&m Commerce conducts her online classes with live videos to explain concepts, walk through powerpoints, and provide feedback for assignments. I find that I really learn and get engaged with the course when there is live interaction from the professor. So, to improve reusability in the majority of the online courses that I have taken, I would encourage professors to make the course more interactive for both the student and the teacher.

Rich Media

Nanotechnology

http://www.howstuffworks.com/nanotechnology.htm

Nanotechnology can be used to enhance productivity and instruction time for educators, paraprofessionals, and administrators. Students can have id badges with mini micro-chips that will allow them to swipe for attendance, going to the nurse, office referrals, etc. Having the microchips store information on students will eliminate the use of so much paper and could possibly in the end save a school district a large amount of money.