Our textbook defines distance learning as “institution-based,
formal education where the learning group is separated, and where interactive
telecommunications systems are used to connect learners, resources, and instructors”
(Simonson, Smaldino, & Zvacek, 2015). This takes education into a new path
which had learners studying in different locations and at different times. Distance learning
is the idea of an anytime, anyplace learning environment. It is any setup of
learning that will let you learn where and when you want.
The definition of distance learning continues to change and
is will continue to change due to the progression of technology. While viewing
the multimedia slide this week, the progression of technology has increased
from the 1830’s until the present time. Distance
learning has gone from communication through mail to the present time with the
use of today’s technology and Web 2.0 (Distance Learning Timeline, Laureate,
2010). Education has certainly advanced in today’s digital age and with
the advancement of technology hardware and software, it will continue to progress.
My
personal experience with distance learning has been remarkable. I started my
experience with distance learning in high school by in 1990. My school selected
ten students to participate in a language class teaching German over the TV.
Even though we were in a tradition setting with a facilitator in the room, it
was a new and exciting experience to me. The idea was a little frighten at
first sight. I was so accustomed to the traditional classroom that not having a
teacher in the same room was weird.
Over
time distance learning has greatly changed. As mention earlier, the overwhelming amount of new technology in hardware
and software, keeps the progression of distance learning ever-changing. There are a ton of devices
available and new devices created daily. We must stay up-to-date and current in
today’s digital society.
I believe that when it come to the future of distance
learning, we will have more of the same. The biggest factor is the ability to
keep an equilibrium between distance learning and quality learning.
Laureate Education (Producer). (n.d.). Distance Learning Timeline [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., & Zvacek, S. (2015). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education. Information Age Publishing, Inc. Pages 31-59.
