My Reflection of Distance Learning

As I reflect on distance learning and all the things I have learned, I have come to the conclusion that for me this has been the most helpful course so far. My goal to become an online instructor plays a big role in this realization. This reflection will address the following three questions: 

·                     What do you think the perceptions of distance learning will be in the future (in 5–10 years; 10–20 years)?

·                     How can you as an instructional designer be a proponent for improving societal perceptions of distance learning?

·                     How will you be a positive force for continuous improvement in the field of distance education?

What do you think the perceptions of distance learning will be in the future (in 5–10 years; 10–20 years)?

 In the next 5-10 years students will see the value in learning online in a different setting that will allow even more freedom and flexibility. Many perceptions about different learning styles will be changed by the accommodations that are being made by colleges and programs. Distance learning will become even more of a common factor in the future. With the increase in new technologies, we will see distance learning become an even bigger part of our lives. In addition, the future of distance learning is taking a turn towards an increased progress and promising innovations that involve the development of newer technologies, more contribution coming from experts around the world, and the increased use of online games and simulations (Laureate Education, n.d.). In addition, more and more corporations will incorporate online and distance education in order to up skill their employees.

Within 10 to 20 years, distance learning will be considered the standard learning education environment where learners at all ages and in different stages of life will completely manage their education from anywhere and at anytime. For those learners who are not self-motivated or who have a tendency to procrastinate there is the blending learning option. Blended learning combines a face-to-face atmosphere with an online environment. Many programs are being designed to be a focus for those assortment of learners who before would not have given online learning a second thought.

How can you as an instructional designer be a proponent for improving societal perceptions of distance learning?

As an instructional designer and an online educator it is my task to citizens about online learning and where we are headed in the future. As Instructional Designers we will play a major part in civilizing the public perceptions of distance learning by showing the benefits of distance learning. If instructional designers create distance learning results to meet learners’ needs, then this learning environment will keep growing and public perceptions will progress. In order for this to happen, the ID will need to keep up to date on issues especially in my field and new technology emerging.

How will you be a positive force for continuous improvement in the field of distance education?

For me to be a positive force, I will need to stay up on technology, be aware of the new trends, and what to I can do improve my knowledge of new technologies. It will be my responsibility to design learning experiences geared towards the needs and interest of the learners.   I will be an advocate for online instructors in the field of distance education. Dr. Pisckurich stated that instructional design is not a one time process, but a continuous process of finding the best approach for improvement and analysis (Laureate Education, n.d.).

 References

Laureate Education (Producer). (n.d.). The future of distance education [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

Laureate Education (Producer). (n.d.). Delivery analysis [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.

  

Distance Learning

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.