Annotated Bibliography

David M. Kennedy (2002). Dimensions of distance: a comparison of classroom education and distance education, 22 (409-416)Retrieved from Nurse Education Today

This article looks at different dimensions of learning in a traditional classroom compared to distance (virtual) learning. It focuses on a study that was done in a Bachelors health and Science class. The study used the same module in both lessons, one using distance learning and the other a classroom.

The article explores the idea that students in distance learning programs might not have enough support, therefore the teacher must provide different mechanisms to engage the students. Spending extra time to create e-mails, post, and chat rooms ensures three important components to successful students which are

• Students with the teacher
• The class as a whole
• Students with individual students

The study found one major difference in distance learning is the interaction between the teacher and student. The teacher is there mostly for educational support where in the classroom, the teacher provides educational content. The students control their learning and the teacher acts as a guide in a virtual setting. The support distance learners receive is stronger and the article questions if students in the classroom are at a disadvantage. The study found

• Communication had the greatest comparative impact and was 29% greater in distance learning
• Time spent in the virtual classroom also increased about 3-5 hour a week

The purpose of this article is to investigate how distance learning effects students compared to classroom based learning. It addresses which dimensions of distance learning are the most significant and analyzes communication between the students and teacher.
The article was fairly easy to follow and contained a well organized outline including tables. The article does not address when the study was done and the credentials of the person who conducted the study. I would have liked to know that information since I think it does impact the findings. Also I was disappointed to discover that there was no discussion of the success rate of the students from the two groups. I think that would have been a major reflection on the subject. It would have shown if the increased personal attention and support the distance learning students received impacted their grades. I do think distance learning does require more time by both the students and teacher and would like to know how the increased time affected their grades.