Distance learning

Prior to starting this course my definition of distance learning was limited to online courses. I thought distance learning was getting a college degree through the internet. I also thought distance learning was an opportunity to finish college sooner than traditional students. This week we were asked to share what we’ve learned and how distance learning has influenced my personal definition. In our resources this week I learned my definition was so limited. “Distance education seems a new idea to most educators of today. However, the concepts that form the basis of distance education are more than a century old. Certainly, distance education has experienced growth and change recently, but long traditions of the field continue to give it direction for the future. (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, & Zvacek 2009) Prior to this class I did not know the history of distance learning or all the facets of it. There are several definitions of distance learning with varying thoughts, but basically make the same point.

“Distance education is a method of education in which the learner is physically separate from the teacher. It may be used on its own, or in conjunction with other forms of education, including face to face. In distance education, learners are physically separated from the institution that sponsors the instruction.” (Simonson et al) Is one of the definitions that I learned this week. I think this definition is a good definition because I find it to be all inclusive. I have learned that distance learning is not limited to higher education but expands to corporate America, military, globally, and the K-12 setting. After reading our resources this week I have had the opportunity to expand my thought process. I know have a greater understanding of distance learning and its potential.
As I consider my definition of distance learning I think overcoming the distance of place or time, using technology to communicate between the teacher and learner is important. Distance learning allows learners to go to college with people who have shared experiences and are in the working world. Distance learning allows business to offer training for employees without compromising any work force. Distance learning provides a learning experience that is tailored to individual students opposed to 30+ students in a classroom. Distance learning can provide a learning experience that is more doing which appeals to the various learning styles. This type of learning can be more engaging for the learner.
As technology accelerates and embeds itself in our everyday lives, we must consider its impact in the future. The development of new technology continues to have an impact on learning and is constantly evolving. In order to maintain its pace, it is imperative that trainers are properly taught and prepared to deliver online content. While on the one hand, new technology allows schools and instructors to offer learning in new ways, educators still have to be open to the new ways. Yet, this is changing, and the pace of this change will continue to accelerate as the demand for online courses increases. “Distance education opportunities are quickly growing through the use of computer mediated communications. Tens of thousands of networks are connected to the internet.” ( Simonson et al) “While technology changes rapidly, people do not. People want to use tools that are familiar and they’ve always used, and will tend to adopt tools only if they see a clear benefit either in productivity or in savings.” (Starr, 2003)
In the past, education has been practiced in separate buildings by carefully regimented and standardized classes of students led and instructed by teachers working in departments. Research has shown that in the last decade this model of teaching has seen a decrease in use. There has been an emergence of a new model where education is practiced, guided and assisted by online instructors and experts from around the world. This model is individualized which helps to optimize the learning experience.

Though today we are seeing a new vision, the future will see a reduction in institutions and traditional forms of education. I don’t think they will become totally obsolete because there is still a need for the campus environment, spirit, and sports. I think we will see more traditional colleges offering both online and traditional classes.
References:
Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2009). Teaching and Learning at a Distance: Foundations of Distance Education (4th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.
Starr, L. (2003, December 02). Encouraging Teacher Technology Use. Retrieved September 10, 2010 from Education World: http://www.education-world.com/a_tech/tech159.shtml