When I think of exotic, I think of a dancer; nevertheless, I have reevaluated my definition and I have paralleled it with our “things to do,” for this week.  Consequently, I have discovered that exotic can serve as advanced features for distance education.  Moreover, I can consider my advanced toolbox, an exotic toolbox for DE.   

When considering a toolbox for distance education, there is always a basis toolbox, but what would an advanced toolbox include?  First of all, I would like to think of “advanced” as providing more options/added features to distance education.  Let’s keep in mind that we can have a successful DE class with the basic box, but an advanced toolbox broadens the capabilites within the class.  With that presented, let’s take a look at what we could add to our basic toolbox, to consider it an advanced toolbox for distance education.   

My basic toolbox:

1.  Email

2. Internet

3.  Instant Messenger

4.  TappedIn or Blogs

5.  Compatible Computer

In the past, I have always thought it would be nice to see/hear classmates that are included in my virtual classroom; therefore, I would add a videocam/voice feature to my advanced toolbox–this is not to say that this feature would be used all the time or as the primary function of the class, but it could be used periodically to add interest to the class.  Such features can be found with most of the instant messengers, Skype, GizmoProject, etc.  I really like the Wikispaces since a learning community can participate in writing/editing content; therefore, I would include this in my advanced toolbox.  This is a great way for a learning community to “learn together,” and build upon one another’s experiences.  Nevertheless, because of the quality of broadband internet, I would add it to my advanced toolbox–it just makes the overall distance learning experience a lot less hectic–that is considering the regular dial up connection which is extremely sloooooow. 

All in all, let’s keep in mind that I am a learner, still absorbing the unlimited information of technology and how it can enhance distance learning.  Furthermore, just like a carpenter adds to his basic toolbox, I can always add to my advanced toolbox for distance education.  Therefore, as I can insight to various functions/features that can enhance distance education; I will add it to my toolbox.  Will my toolbox ever be complete and I never add anything else to it?  Absolutely not!  Technology is always changing and new things developing; thus, I will always be adding things to my toolbox.  Furthermore, as a new tool develops, I can always replace an old tool with a better one.