1

Laura Howard
OMDE 610 9040
Journal Entry 3 (Module 1)
2/21/16

Reviewing the objectives of this module as indicated in the course content and syllabus
(University of Maryland University College, 2016):
Moving towards the end of the first module and reviewing this modules
objectives (University of Maryland University College, 2016), I can now say that I have a
better understanding of the direction of the course and what will be expected of the class.
I can reflect on my understanding of the learning theories and how they relate to practices
used in distance education. The Ally (2008) article gave some great examples and
explanations on the learning theories and their uses in online distance education (Ally,
2008). Harasim (2012a) also provided very thorough and understandable information on
the epistemology and how it is a foundational focus in studying and applying to
theoretical concepts and methods in distance education (Harasim, 2012a). The learning
theory should be a topic discussed and researched fully as distance education develops,
since it effects different components of educational administrative areas as indicated in
the module 1 third objective (University of Maryland University College, 2016). Without
being familiar with the concepts and theories of learning, instructors and administration
may not be able to facilitate the required necessities to conduct or operate a distance
education effectively (Ally, 2008; Harasim, 2012a; Harasim, 2012b; Siemens, 2007).
Understanding how the different learning theories throughout history have effected and
contributed to online distance education (Ally, 2008; Harasim, 2012a; Harasim, 2012b;

Siemens, 2007) is one of the most crucial parts of this module that I have learned (Ally,
2008; Harasim, 2012a; Harasim, 2012b; Siemens, 2007). All the media, information and
readings in this class have greatly contributed to my understanding of the concepts
discussed in this module and I hope that the future modules will have the same effect on
me.

Questions remaining for this module and what would be the resolution(s)? (University of
Maryland University College, 2016)
Upon reviewing my first journal entry, I looked back at some of the questions and
things I wanted to discover: How we can anticipate how learning happens in an online
or other distance education environments; are we really able to theorize how we learn and
can these theories be applied to only specific types/groups of people, or is there a theory
that can be universal; is learning predictable and will we be focused on statistics?. I
definitely can say I learned more and refreshed my memory about the learning theories,
but now I am looking at them as how they apply and relate to distance education and
what they have contributed, especially after reading the Harasim (2012a), Harasim
(2012b), Ally (2008) writings and watching the Siemens (2007) video (Harasim, 2012a;
Harasim, 2012b; Ally, 2008; Siemens, 2007). I think that the questions that I asked
earlier in my first journal entry still remain for me, but now that I have more in-depth
knowledge on the learning theories and I feel more comfortable with being able to
explain how they relate to distance education. I think the only way to find the answers is
to continue in the course study, readings and analysis.

Difficulties that I have experienced in this first module are making sure my
writings in the assignments and discussions are properly written, documented and
relevant. This has always been a dilemma for me in classes since I get very concerned
about making sure I meet all the standards and requirements of the assignments. I usually
do not have a problem understanding the course content, but sometimes it is difficult for
me to express what I know in my writings sufficiently and at the Masters level. Making
sure that I present my writings correctly and appropriately is very concerning to me.

References
Ally, M. (2008). In T. Anderson (Ed.), Foundations of educational theory for online learning. The
theory and practice of online learning (pp. 15-44). Edmonton, AB T5J 3S8: AU Press.
Retrieved from http://www.aupress.ca/books/120146/ebook/99Z_Anderson_2008Theory_and_Practice_of_Online_Learning.pdf
Harasim, L. (2012a). Introduction to learning theory and technology. Learning Theory and
Online Technologies. (pp. 1-14). New York: Routledge.
Harasim, L. (2012b). Historical overview of learning and technology. Learning Theory and
Online Technologies. (pp. 15-29). New York: Routledge.
Siemens. G. (2007, September 2). The conflict of learning theories with human nature [Video
file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=xTgWt4Uzr54&feature=youtu.be
University of Maryland University College. (2016). OMDE 610 9040 Teaching and learning in
online distance education (2162) OMDE-610 [Course syllabus]. OMDE 610-9040,
Spring 2016, [Teaching and learning in online distance education (2162) OMDE-610].
Master of Distance Education and E-learning, University of Maryland University
College, Retrieved from
https://learn.umuc.edu/d2l/le/content/124340/viewContent/5442289/View