Welcome, my distance learning colleagues, to this third edition of an all-Errol set of my “Ask Errol” column questions and answers. What is exciting about what you will read is the variety of problems and challenges distance learning instructors from throughout the United States and Europe experience. Online education continues to grow, and just when one thinks all areas have been covered new ones occur, and when they come my way I do my best to help out.
Each school that offers online education is unique. While a difficulty or an “I don’t know” at one location may be perplexing at another school it simply may not exist. Again and again I hear from an online educator who was quite confident in teaching at one place, but quickly learns at a new school there are obstacles for which the person was not prepared. Such is the quirky personality and structure of distance education: it is never a template that can easily be dropped over every school. Nooks and crannies of the how and why at each school will not only always exist, but new developments and teaching strategies that come along in the world of distance learning must also be embraced.
This special edition contains something new: queries I have received that never made it into Distance Learning. Their value is no less important than those I select for my column; there simply are so many who write to me there is not enough room to publish all. I do hope you find the questions and my responses helpful. Certainly, not all will be items with which you can identify or that will tap you on the mind, but I think you’ll find at least a few that will enhance your efforts as a distance learning educator.
Please have queries or any responses to this edition of my “Ask Errol” columns— sent to me at erroldistancelearning@gmail.com
Thank you!
