The Ever-Changing Face of Distance Learning

The Ever-Changing Face of Distance Learning

     The question was posed “Why do you feel the definition of distance learning is always changing and what factors drive that change?”  As I pondered over a response to this question, my first thought was before I can finish this entry, the definition would change again.  I think the definition of distance learning is always changing because of both the available resources and the needs in different professions.  A quote we have often heard back from the 1980s is “work smart not hard!”  This happened around the era when the phrase “corporate downsizing” was popular.  It became imperative to develop ways to share, develop, and deliver information with common interpretation around the country and never leave your desk.  But most of all save money.  Huett et al. mentioned for both education and Corporate America economics was a motivation factor for using distance learning.  (Huett, 2008)  Therefore, my definition of distance learning is the study and training of materials through available resources, across the United States without leaving your home or office.    

     Distance learning for me date back to a correspondence bible study class I took during the summer as a child.  I remember mailing a letter requesting to be a part of this summer program and receiving my official materials in the mail.  I would have to work independently to complete assignments by a certain deadline and return the lesson via snail mail to the originator.  They in turn would assess your work.  I think for me, there was no right or wrong for the course.  It seemed to be just a vehicle to get you to study the bible.  However, this is exactly what Huett et al. discussed about ways to effectively measure the success of the program.  (Huett, 2008)

      Dr. Simonson offered his definition of distance learning as “formal education in which the learning group (teacher, student, resources) are separated by geography, and sometimes, by time and technology resources are used to link the teacher and the learner”.  (Laureate Education, 2009)  I like to use the KIS principle.  I would sum distance learning up like this.  Distance learning is a teaching and learning process shared by different people, in different places, at different times, using different resources.  Dutifully note the word process.  The word process indicates phases, stages, or steps to reach a particular goal.  This is where the changing definition of distance learning takes place. 

     The future of distance learning I think will definitely be global.  It actually already has made a global presence.  But the transition will be to have a visual classroom setting via little, talking avatars.  Whatever the future holds, I sure the possibilities of distance learning are limitless.    

References

Huett, J. M. (2008). The evolution of distance education: Implicastions for instructional design on the potential of the web (Part 3: K12). Tech Trends, 52(5), 63-67.

Laureate Education, I. (2009). Distance Education: The Next Generation. Baltimore, MD.