The Role of the Internet in Creating and Sustaining Distributed Learning Environments

Abstract

Key-words: Educational models; distributed learning; internet. Educational models evolved from those that focused on the individual learner (the craft or apprentice model) to those that focused on providing learning opportunities for an increasing number of students. All too often these so-called industrial models become passive for both the instructor/tutor and the learner. Assessment has become rather perfunctory and focuses on grades rather than suggestions for improvement. A Distributed Learning model offers a framework within which attention is once again focused on the individual but now in a collective environment. This paper explores the role that the Internet can play in creating and sustaining Distributed Learning environments.