As I reflect back on my learning in
this course EDUC 6135 – Distance Learning, I realize that I have hit a turning
point in my thinking. Yes, I have
learned how to build a course in a CMS, steeped in theory and inclusive of
multi-media presentations some of which I even created myself. But in working
towards this objective, I learned so much more. I learned that it is a challenge to engage a
learner that I may never meet in person.
I realize there are strategies to close the gap of distance and time and
that there is an ever growing array of media and learning objects to choose
from to engage the learner and create a comfortable online learning
environment. “The design of instruction
captures those elements that create a learning environment that facilitates
student learning.” (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright & Zvacek 2012.)
I think in 5 years, we will see an
evening out or leveling of perceptions of online learning being equivalent to
traditional school. Technology in general is changing the way we do everything
and “we are recognizing that distance isn’t as significant a factor as it was
even five years ago.” (Laureate Video) I
think both advocates and skeptics will play a part in this leveling out.
Advocates for distance learning
such as online graduates will be more prominent and holding positions of hiring
decision and influence. In education,
business, and government ‘distributed teams’ span across the globe and it is
becoming more and more common for us to communicate with diverse groups for
many different purposes including learning. Personnel in the technology and knowledge
management arena are in fact advocates for distance learning and distance
communications.
Skeptics will be more accepting of
the idea of distance learning because they will encounter online communication
more often, both informally like seeing video of their grandchildren to more
formally like seeing their children attend school online, and knowing others in
their circle of coworkers, bosses, or family members who have earned an online
degree. Interacting from a distance will become part
of our global culture in the next 10 years.
It will simply be how we do things as a planet. Higher education will be no exception. Howell, Williams, Lindsay (2003) reference Dunn(2000) who projected by 2025 that half of
the independent colleges of 2000 would be closed, merged or significantly
altered in their mission – with traditional campuses declining yet degree
granting institutions growing overall.
As an instructional designer, I can
be a proponent to improve the perception of distance learning by making
distance learning a quality scholarly experience. It all begins with ensuring the learner is
comfortable with the technology and with the distance learning
environment. From there it goes to following
sound instructional design theory and practices to develop the best possible
learning experience. I think I can be a
positive force for continuous improvement in the field of distance education,
by continuously striving to improve myself and expand my knowledge. I have come to understand that the sharing of
information is what moves each of us forward.
It is difficult for me to speculate what the
educational landscape will look like in twenty years 2035; however, lifelong
learning has already become a competitive necessity. I am certain that will continue well past the
next two decades.
References:
Howell, Scott L.;
Williams, Peter B.; Lindsay, Nathan K. (2003) Thirty-two trends affecting
Distance Education: An Informed
Foundation for Strategic Planning Online Journal of Distance Learning
Administration Volume VI Number 3 retrieved from http://www.westga.edu/~distance/ojdla/fall63/howell63.html
Laureate
Education (Producer). (n.d.). The future of distance education [Video file].
Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu
Simonson, M.,
Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2012). Teaching and learning at a
distance: Foundations of distance education (5th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.
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