ETC 677
Issues of Diversity within Distributed Learning Environments
Research Paper

To engage in a research component, you will individually investigate issues of diversity of learners and environments as they relate to Distributed Learning Environments.

Paper Criteria

• 8-10 Double Spaced Pages (12 pt type)

• Minimum of 5 references (2 refereed journals, 2 web resources, and 1 other, e.g. your text)

• MS-Word Document (or RTF)

• APA Style

• Submitted to the ETC 677 Assignment Drop box in Vista by the due date.

Paper Topics:

Your research must investigate issues of diversity to provide information on how they might impact design, development, and implementation for distributed learning/learners. You should focus on one issue and cover it in more depth, rather than an overview of various issues. In other words, pick an issue and go for depth rather than breadth.

Issues might include:

• Digital Divide

• Disabilities and Assistive Technologies

• Cultural Differences

• Language Differences

The paper should include three parts (with Parts II and III providing the bulk of content):

• Part I - Introduction - Should provide an overview of what the paper is going to be about.

• Part II - The Issue - Should provide a well documented/supported overview or description of the diversity issue as the current literature defines it. Make sure that you explain why your topic deals with diversity and that your citations provide accurate information.

• Part III - Discussion - Should provide a good discussion of the diversity issue in terms of the Distributed Learning literature and how the issue will impact design and development of online learning environments that engages the learners in online learning communities and collaborative activities.

Below are some links to get you started. This is, by no means, an exhaustive list.

• The American Journal of Distance Learning

• The Journal of Interactive Online Learning

• Google Search for Distributed Learning Journals

• Google Search for Distance Learning Journals

• Guidelines for Distance Learning Library Services

• Distance Education at a Glance

Click on the following links to understand the Treatise Paper Assignment (Links will open in a new window).

1. Treatise Overview

   • Section 1

   • Section 2

   • Section 3

2. Treatise Group Roles

3. Treatise Group Report

4. Treatise Peer Evaluations

Please post your Group's Treatise Paper here. Remember, to also post it on the Treatise Paper Posting Discussion Board for your fellow classmates. Remember that your group will then decide who will actually write each section based upon the all of the outlines. Once the sections of the paper are written, the group will then decide how to assembly the three sections to make a coherent completed paper 8-10 double spaced pages -- 12 pt.