Is there a need to evolve distance education to the next generation? That would be similar to asking if we should make ready our old television sets to go digital. While some may want to hang on to what is old and familiar, the outdated tools may no longer work efficiently in today’s environment. Distance education is not a new concept but one that has experienced much growth within it’s more than a hundred years of existence. Simonson (2000) describes its history as growing from correspondence study to open universities to the use of the Internet to deliver content. He distinguishes, using his equivalency theory, that distance education is not identical to face-to-face education but it is the equivalent in that the same learning outcomes should be achievable.
Moller, Foshay, Huett, and Coleman (2008) suggest that there are implications for the instructional design of distance learning programs. Although research is still necessary on the "factors that ensure successful teaching and learning", (p. 65) there are still benefits that supersede the stigma attached to e-learning that demonstrate interest and positivity from faculty regarding distance learning.
Carefully structured models of distance learning could include a combination of methodologies that address some of the shortcomings of distance education such as student isolation. Simonson (2008) and Moller et al. (2008) agree that the advancement of distance education should include a supportive and collaborative effort between designers and educators to plan and influence environments that promote engaged teaching and learning at a distance.
Distance learning can arguably be seen as a sweeping initiative or as a long-term goal in education. There are no clear statistics that indicate whether or not its success is imminent. What is agreed upon is that there is a need to foster education in nontraditional environments that meets the needs of various learners. Distance learning appears to provide education that is accessible and if carefully designed, can provide meaningful learning experiences that are free of static, has a variety of channels, and can be turned on at all hours of the day.
Resources
Anderson, T. (Ed.) (2008). The Theory And Practice Of Online Learning (2nd ed.). Edmonton, AB: Athabasca University Press.
Moller, L Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008). The Evolution Of Distance Education: Implications For Instructional Design On The Potential Of The Web (Part 1: Training And Development). TechTrends, 52(3), 70-75.
Moller, L Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008). The Evolution Of Distance Education: Implications For Instructional Design On The Potential Of The Web (Part 2: Higher Education). TechTrends, 52(4), 66-70.
Huett, J., Moller, L., Foshay, W & Coleman, C. (2008). The Evolution Of Distance Education: Implications For Instructional Design On The Potential Of The Web (Part 3: K12). TechTrends, 52(5). 63-67.
Simonson, M. (2000). Making Decisions: The Use Of Electronic Technology In Online Classes. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 84, 29-34.
Simonson, M. (2008). (Video podcast) Distance education: The next generation. Accessed December 4, 2008 from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=3206859&Survey=1&47=4683208&ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1
Simonson, M. (2008). (Video podcast) Equivalency theory. Accessed December 4, 2008 from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=3206859&Survey=1&47=4683208&ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
I agree that, at this time, success for distance education is not imminent. That underscores the importance of persisting with research aimed at improving learning theory, delivery methodologies, and overcoming the student isolation so prevalent in eLearning. What is interesting, is there are students and professionals entering the research arena who have been primarily educated through online modalities. That perspective will be a critical voice in the conversations that shape the future of distance ed. I wonder if, instead of being either a sweeping initiative or a long-term goal, if we aren't actually in-between the two - driving toward the long-term goal, but past the stage of sweeping initiative.
Brad
I wanted to pass along that I like your voice in this article. One of the many things I need to improve is my toolbox of voices to use when I write.
Post a Comment