Module 2 Definitions

1.  Open learning - is an innovative movement in education that emerged in the 1970s and evolved into fields of practice and study. The term refers generally to activities that either enhance learning opportunities within formal education systems or broaden learning opportunities beyond formal education systems. Open learning involves but is not limited to: classroom teaching methods, approaches to interactive learning, formats in work-related education and training, the cultures and ecologies of learning communities, and the development and use of open educational resources

2.  Virtual - generated by computer: simulated by a computer for reasons of economics, convenience, or performance

3.  Virtual Schools -   describes an institution that teaches courses entirely or primarily through online methods. It has been suggested that a virtual school is an online learning platform offered by an educational organization whereby individuals can earn credits in the particular area of interest which can be counted toward graduation or advancement to the next grade.

4.  Guided Didactic Conversation - A theory postulated by Holmberg (1988) who views distance education as the “conversation-like interaction between the student on the one hand and the tutor/counselor of the supporting organization administering the study on the other”

5.  Correspondence Study - A correspondence course is an academic class that is taken — and taught — across some geographical distance. The original correspondence courses were carried out through the postal service. Professors would mail assignments and lecture notes to students, who would return essays and projects for grading. Most correspondence courses today take place over the Internet, but the concept is the same: students anywhere can take classes without having to physically be present at the school.

6.  Electronic Communications - The term electronic communication is defined as passing of information from one individual to another using computers, fax and phones. A good example of a form of electronic communication is the use of email.

7.  Andragogy - is the process of helping adults learn.

8.  Fordism - is a notion of a modern economic and social system based on an industrialized and standardized form of mass production. The concept is used in various social theories and management studies about production and related socio-economic phenomena. It is also related to the idea of mass consumption and changes of working condition of workers over time.

9.  Conventional Education - more traditional, assessment tools evaluate what skills students can perform with success. They are generally knowledge-based, versus hands-on or performance-based. They include traditional types of tests like multiple-choice, short answer essays or constructed responses, and standardized tests such as those districts administer to all students.

10. Independent Study - Independent study is when you are taking a class or studying on your own. There is no set time to study, just as long as you get the work done when it is required.