Dr. Ruth Reynard

Yes, good points, Dawn. Not all distance courses are the same and have varying degrees of immediacy. The potential is there, however...

Yes, very true, Samia,....and now with mobile technology, we really can be continuously connected, which eliminates even more barriers of time and space.

Also the blend of mediation and delivery that combines the best of all worlds.

I agree, John, except that I also see value in objective exploration of meaning and language use. As we are being challenged to defne and address the rapid changes in our society as a result of new technology, so our language takes time to catch up and help us explain what we mean :)

That's so true...my sense is that "expert" is being redefined along with the commodity known as education. The Internet provides fast and immediate access but that has also changed how content is viewed, valued, and packaged!

I'm taking it to mean efficiency of time...that is many online courses and programs take less time to complete than traditional courses. Am I correct, Samia? If not, please clarify...thanks :)

Exactly, John. Students who are using technology to support their own learning are developing many new skills that perhaps the instructor does not have and also that the course does not value in terms of grade. We also need to rethink the assessment of the developed skills.

Yes, Samia, certainly the Internet has provided the potential for more efficiency in the learning experience. I would also suggest that it has provided instructors with an incredible instructional tool to truly work with students differently - collaborating in ways never before possible.

Hi Thomas, Like most language evolutions of meaning, this use is not a literal use but a rhetorical reference to similarities in movement/mobility only. That is, today's students are not "grounded" as individuals once were when it comes to connection and networking. Currently, instructors should be aware that connectivity is continuous and now wireless and mobile. That opens wide more opportunity than we've ever had before to guide students and support them through their learning journey.

Yes, John, and it encourages instructors to make the best of each instructional exchange rather than pouring through static content.