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Top1. Introduction
Distance learning is associated with distance education, which is defined as “the process of extending learning, or delivering instructional resource-sharing opportunities to locations away from a classroom, building, or site by using video, audio, computer, multimedia communications, or some combination of these with other traditional delivery methods” (ITC, n.d., para. 1). Interactive distance learning systems are a highly valuable tool in the delivery of education and training to widely dispersed trainees, and in cases where the trainer cannot travel to the trainee’s site in accordance with the European Commission’s (2001) policy on e-learning, which gives priority to those who live in remote areas or the disadvantaged, since distance education offers opportunities in situations where traditional education has difficulty to operate.
Constructivism provides exciting and unique distance learning environments (Wikipedia, n.d.) supported by computer conferencing, computer-supported intentional learning environments, and computer-supported collaborative work environments, while distance learning that takes place in stimulating learning environments designed on constructivist principles will be more effective (Jonassen et al., 1994). E-learning is suited to distance learning, flexible learning, and blended learning and is associated with advanced learning technology, while in higher education, a virtual learning environment – sometimes combined with a Management Information System (MIS) to create a Managed Learning Environment – is used (Wikipedia, 2008b). Additionally, MISs are used (a) to analyse other information systems which are applied in operational activities in an organisation, and (b) to automate or support human decision making (O’Brien, as cited in Wikipedia, 2008d).
In this paper, focus will be on distance lifelong training for in-service teacher development via video conferencing and knowledge management, granted that teachers will be introduced and trained in the VC technology and mode of distance training as well as in KM methodology through lectures and seminars. Adult education takes place in the context of lifelong education (Brookfield, 1995; Rogers, 2002) and its cardinal goal is to facilitate adults to learn to make their own interpretations rather than act on the judgments, purposes, beliefs, and feelings of others (Imel, 1998). In lifelong learning, education is built into the process of living into a range of special classroom and study activities, while education with wide goals aims to demonstrate that there are many different ways of thinking and doing, and encourages the development of self-determination and choice (Rogers, 2002). Constructivism reinforces this aspect since according to Jonassen (as cited in Wikipedia, n.d.) constructivist learning environments provide multiple representations of reality, which represent the complexity of the real world and enable content- and context-dependent knowledge construction.