Telecommunication Technology Telecommunication in Education:

Telecommunication Technology Telecommunication in Education: Instructional Technology The objective of this work is to explore the effectiveness of telecommunication in education through use of instructional technology. Distance education, or education via the Internet, is a growing phenomenon in education in today's global society. This provision of education has been enabled by technological instructional methods.

The work of Baker, Harvell, and Yuan entitled: "A Collaborative Investigations in to Telecommunications in Education" states: "A paradigm shift in teaching techniques is present occurring in classrooms around the world, due to the advent of distance education." (2006) the implementation of the infrastructure is "only the first step" (Ibid) Telecommunications may be defined "as the art and science of communication electronically, and the use of computer-mediated conferencing in the distance learning environment." (Baker, Harvell and Yuan, 2006) the work of Liang (1999) entitled: "Study of Instructional Development under the Telecommunication Distance Education Environment" states that based upon the research conducted "ID components, such as instructional resources, supports and services, class rehearsal, and media utilization, are quite different from the traditional educational mode, especially the factor of educational administration and policy." Baker, Harvell, and Yuan state that the components that make successful learning experiences in telecommunication educational pursuits are inclusive of: (1) learner-centric focus; (2) humanizing the environment; (3) organization and planning in advance; (4) competence and comfort with the technology; and (5) evaluation of success and correction of deficiencies.

(2006) the work of Brivkalns, Janbicka, and Slaidins (1999) entitled: "Distance Training in Information Literacy for Students of Telematics" state that: "Distance education is planned learning that normally occurs in a different place from teaching and as a result requires special techniques of course design, special instructional techniques, special methods of communication by electronic and other technology, as well as special organizational and administrative arrangements." According to these authors, it is necessary that students in today's world be able to use: (1) paper-based resources; (2) computer-based resources; (3) networked-learning resources; and (4) media-based materials.

(1999) it is interesting to note the work of Lin, Chung, and Chen (2006) in a study conducted among 117 college students which explored the relationship among learner characteristics, motivation and achievement in web-based instruction which states results that "college students' sex and prior knowledge affected their motivation for attending the web-based courses, as well as parts of the academic achievement." The digital divide, which is known to affect many nations in the developing world, is due to: "(1) inadequate funding; (2) a lack of necessary computer and Internet skills; and (3) a lack of English-language proficiency." (Brooks, Donovan and Rumble, 2006) According to Brooks Donovan, and Rumble "Aggregated full-text databases serve as a prominent tool in closing the digital divide because they provide important research sources." (2006) Summary of Literature Reviewed Web-based education holds great promise for those in rural areas and those in developing nations in gaining educational advancement.

Education through means of telecommunication technologies opens the door to many individuals and countries previously effectively barred from educational advancement. Bibliography Lin, Ching; Chung, Ru-Ya; and Chen, Ya-Ping (2006) Relationships among Learner Characteristics, Motivation and Achievement in Web-based Instruction Journal of Educational Media and Library Sciences Vol., No. 4 Pages 413-433. Online available at http://www.fed.cuhk.edu.hk/en/jemls/200600430004/0413.htm. Brooks, Sam; Donovan, Paul; and Rumble,.