Virtual Training, Real Teaching: The Promise of Distance Learning for Educators-to-Be

By Stephen Downes - Stephen's Web. Virtual Training, Real Teaching: The Promise of Distance Learning for Educators-to-Be
This has come up numerous times on discussion lists and elsewhere, but it still bears repeating: "By immersing themselves as learners in online courses, teachers can gain comfort and familiarity with tools they might someday use in their own classrooms." Just as a reality check: the tools they will use in later life will have completely changed. What they are getting comfortable with is the idea of using technology, adapting to new environments, and a learn-by-trying approach. More...