Technology should not drive instruction! Yes, there are a lot of technological bells and whistles available to designers of instructional materials, but the technology should not be the driving force in a distance education course. Technologies need to be viewed as "tools" for achieving the instructional desired outcomes, not as the "ends." In planning instruction, the focus needs to be on how best the concepts, principles, practices, and theories can be presented to students so that learning can be take place. In face-to-face delivery, instructors use the tools available to engage the learners in the content. The tools might be a chalkboard, computer, demonstrations, exhibits, and other available resources. The tools selected depend on several things, such as what’s available, instructor’s preferences and expertise, the type of course, the subject matter, and student characteristics and experiences.

Likewise, when teaching at a distance, an instructor needs to inventory what tools are available that will help students learn. This destination focuses on selecting technology tools for delivering instruction at a distance. In Destination 7: Developing Web-Based and Video-Based Instruction and Other Technologies, you will learn some tips on developing content for Web and video delivery. Finally in Destination 8: Technology Development at Institutions, you will be introduced to some of the distance education tools and resources available on your college campuses.

You will learn these driving skills (objectives) during this destination:

• Identify considerations in selecting technology.
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of selected technology in delivering content, providing meaning, applying the concepts, interacting with and among students, and managing course activities.

To access other sections, return to the Table of Contents.

So let's get started with some considerations for selecting technology for your distance education needs.

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