Methods

AUDIO: Interactive technology tools include telephone, video conferencing and shortwave radio instructional audio materials. Passive (one way) audio equipment is tape and radio.

IMAGE: As instructional video tools, we can give examples of slides, moving images (film and video cassette), real time images combined with sound.

DATA: Computers carry information electronically. For this reason, data word represents this group which has widespread use as educational tool. Computer applications used for distance education show many types and include the following types: In computer assisted learning, computers are used to teach specific lessons within specific but limited purposes. In Computer Aided Learning, computer training is used to organize and store student record and success. In this system, instruction does not have to be given over a computer, but it is often used in conjunction with the (instructional component).

Communication via Computer: It is used to facilitate communication of computer applications. Examples include electronic mail, computer conferencing, electronic billboards, and the World Wide Web (WWW).

WRITING: The main element of distance education programs is printed literature and forms the basis for other materials. There are many types of printed resources available. These are textbooks, workbooks, lesson plans, helpful books.

Effective Distance Education

Three key points that are important to a successful distance education program are: Design of Information Format: It will not always be appropriate to use traditional training methods for distance education. In order to take advantage from the benefits of new technologies new forms of information need to be created.

Technology: It is very important to use appropriate types of technology in order for a training program to be successful. Determination of anticipation before selecting the technology (s), which are to be used, will provide both time and money saving.

Support: Support from many different sources on the subject will encourage both students and trainers to develop effective and efficient distance learning methods.

Using Multimedia Applications in Internet Based Distance Education

Benefits of Multimedia Applications in Distance Education:

Shortening of learning time: The research shows that it significantly reduces the learning period of the relevant topic.

Increasing the level of “Keeping the mind”: Interactive multimedia applications enable the student to participate actively in the learning process.

Provides effective communication: Thanks to e-mail, discussion list and even video conferencing system, instructor-student and student-student communication are face-to-face.

Students enjoy interactive learning: Interactive multimedia applications help to express knowledge in an enlightening and entertaining way.

Multimedia Access Methods in Computer Assisted Distance Education:

Stand Alone: The material (software, course contents, etc.) related to the course works on a single computer.

CD-ROM: Some of the lesson related materials works in hard disk, while the other section which includes video, audio animation files works on the compact disc.

Backbone Network (Main Frame): The material is delivered to the students through a main frame network. However, the training is carried out on text based and monochrome images.

Local Area Network (LAN) / Wide Area Network (WAN): The course material stored in a network server allows access by a large number of users. Thanks to this approach, all students can access the last line of lecture notes without losing time, simply by updating the course materials in the network server.

İnternet / Intranet: It is a practicable solution for the little or big and disorderly built-up organizations. This method can be taught most popular and wide ranged access method of LAN / WAN method that reaches more wide masses with its longest access duration.