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| Computers in Distance Education | Nowadays, computer networks are widely used. There are such categories of computer used for distance education as:
• Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) applies the computer for teaching purposes to present lessons and achieve certain educational goals. Computer assisted instuction contains drill and practice, tutorial, simulations and games, and problem-solving.
• Computer Managed Instruction (CMI) applies the computer’s branching, storage, and retrieval capabilities for the organisation of instruction and the evaluation of students’ records and progress. The delivery of instruction is performed not via computer, but through the instructional component used together with CMI.
• Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) is the apply of a computer to provide communication. Among the examples of Computer Mediated Communication, there are electronic mail, computer conferencing and electronic bulletin boards.
• Computer-Based Multimedia- is hyperCard, hypermedia, and various computing tools. They are applied for the incorporation of different voice, video and computer technologies into the process of the delivery of information.
Pay attention to the various benefits of computers:
• Computers can make the process of learning at your own speed quicker. Computers make learning individual for every person, they provide quick reinforcement and feedback.
• Computers possess to multimedia tools. They possess combined graphic, print, audio and video capabilities. Besides, they can combine different technologies. Interactive video and CD-ROM technologies are frequently used as constituences of computer-based instructional units and lessons.
• Computers provide interaction. Microcomputer systems have proved their flexibility and effective work under the guidance of learner’s control.
• Computer technology develops quickly. Nowadays, more and more innovations appear, their price reduces because of their big quantity. It is recommended for educator to be aware of his needs and technical requirements to computers, computer hardware and software market.
• Computers provide quicker access to required information. Local, regional, and national networks connect resources and people all over the world. Various undergraduate and graduate programs are based on computer resources.
In some cases, computers are not used, because:
- Computer networks cost much. Separately, computers do not cost much and the computer hardware and software market is big, but it is rather expensive to install instructional networks and buy the system software tfor their work.
- The computer technology develops quickly, that is why the distant educator buys more modern equipment than corresponds to technical advancements instead of paying attention to various innovations.
- There are people who do not have access to computers or computer networks and do not know how to use them properly.
- Students should have motivation and be aware of computer operations to apply computer systems effectively.
Distant education is frequently connected with the use of the internet. The Internet is considered as the largest, most powerful computer network in the world. It unites about 1.3 million computers with Internet addresses being applied by up to 30 million people living in more than fifty countries. Many educational institutions, companies and individuals connect to the Internet or subscribe to information services.
Getting access to the Internet, distance educators and their students have the possibility to apply:
• Electronic mail (e-mail) – Its purpose is to exchange messages or other information with people via a computer network to a computer address.
• Bulletin boards – People have access to bulletin boards via the Internet. There are two known public bulletin boards on the Internet as USENET and LISTSERV. USENET is known as a large collection of topically organized newsgroups devoted to various spheres. LISTSERV has many discussion forums concerning various topics that appeal to your interest.
• World-Wide Web (WWW) - The WWW has many innovations, it provides the access to various information internet resources such as pictures, text, data, sound and video. Such widespread software interfaces as Mosaic and Netscape make the process of navigation and apply of the WWW quicker. The "home page" is very important part of the WWW and an internet site. It is easy to design a home page that includes the information you desire to present. There is a connection between your own home page and other home pages available on the WWW.
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