Evolution of Distance Learning: Technology-Mediated Interactive Learning

摘要

The report has two primary goals: to provide provocative ideas on how emerging forces external to education may shape the future of distance learning and to depict a potential new field, technology-mediated interactive learning, that may result from the synthesis of distance learning, cooperative learning, and computer-supported cooperative work. First, the major technological, demographic, economic, political, and pedagogical forces driving the evolution of distance learning are described. Second, a probable outcome of these advances is depicted: the emergence of technology-mediated interactive learning (TMIL) as a major form of instruction. Then, illustrative, paradigmatic research shaping the development of TMIL is discussed. Finally, as distance learning evolves into TMIL, its likely cognitive, emotional, and maturational effects are briefly assessed.