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Laura Howard
OMDE 610 9040
Module 2
2/29/16 REVISED
Entry 5 (Bulleted items from the OMDE 610 9040 Syllabus)

Current Module 2 topic that has had a great influence on my reflection (University of
Maryland University College, 2016)
I am still going through all the readings for this module, but I found the Kanuka (2008)

writing had some interesting topics. I found this really interesting because, I was not really aware
of the different philosophies of education before, as discussed in the Kanuka (2008) writing. I
found myself pondering on Kanukas (2008) thoughts of the idea that, we need to be aware of
our own philosophies of education in order to find ways to efficiently and beneficially use elearning technologies (Kanuka, 2008, pp. 92, 93 & 111). I dont think I have truly found the
answer to this, and I may not until I finish the Masters program, but I guess I would be closet to
Kanukas (2008) philosophy description of a Progressive (Kanuka, 2008, pp. 103-104). This is
for a number of reasons that are explained in the Kanuka (2008) writing. Kanuka (2008)
describes that the teacher does have an essential and interactive role in the learning process
(Kanuka, 2008), which I agree should be an important component in a distance education course.
I think the teacher role is important, in my experience, because I am more comfortable and
familiar with it. I am not saying a course cannot be constructed without a teacher, but I think
there should always be a knowledgeable person available to ask questions and assist with
anything needed. I favor Kanukas (2008) thoughts that this type of philosophy believes

education should beneficially influence a persons life and as a result should create an ideal
society with the knowledge that is acquired (Kanuka, 2008, pp. 103-104). I also particularly like
Kanukas (2008) explanation that the learning process should consist of and be involved in
focusing on active involvement and participation (Kanuka, 2008, pp. 103-104). I personally
think I learn better with something I can relate to and when I have the ability to apply what I
have learned. Associated tools with this educational philosophy are using online course
management systems (Kanuka, 2008, p. 104), which I think are one of the best e-learning
technologies, as long as they are relatively easy to use and learn. I cannot imagine what an online
class would be like without one! I enjoy the way online courses management tools organize and
offer ways to submit work and communicate with the class all in one type of environment.
Reflecting on this topic, has brought some new interest and ambition in finding my ideal
philosophy.

Influence of this topic for a Distance Education Professional (University of Maryland

University College, 2016)
The Kanuka (2008) article gave me some insight to think and reflect on, as I continue my

studies in distance education. If I was deciding how to deliver a distance education course, I
would hope that I would remember to refer to the Kanuka (2008) writing as a reference guide.
Kanuka (2008) writing explains that having a firm foundation in knowing your philosophy,
should help you look for features in an e-Learning tool(s) that could utilize your perspective and
specific traits that you want to emphasize in learning (Kanuka, 2008, pp. 92, 92 & 111). This
ultimately should make you a better distance education instructor/administrator and gives the
ability to create an educational environment that reflects the philosophy that you believe is the

most ideal (Kanuka, 2008, pp. 92, 93 & 111). Learning about the different philosophies was
interesting and I hope to read more information related to this topic.

References
Kanuka, H. (2008). Understanding e-learning technologies-in-practice through philosophies-inpractice. In T. Anderson (Ed.), The theory and practice of online learning (pp. 91-118).
Edmonton, AB T5J 3S8: AU Press. Retrieved from
http://www.aupress.ca/books/120146/ebook/99Z_Anderson_2008Theory_and_Practice_of_Online_Learning.pdf
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