A Reflective Paper
on the Future of Distance Learning
Distance learning has become a
"hot topic" in the field of education and corporate training. There
is no doubt with the advancement of technology; distance learning will be
making a lasting imprint on training and education for years to come. Simonson et al. reports "many educators
are making claims about how distance education is likely to change education
and training". (Simonson, et al.,
2012, pg. 4). As new instructional
designers, we need to begin conversations now on where distance education will
be some five to twenty years from now, how we can improve the perception of
distance learning, and what our role will be in the continuous improvement in
the field.
Distance education has already made
a lasting impression in the field of education.
Gambescia and Paolucci said "college-level online courses have
out-distanced all other forms of distance learning, in a remarkably short
amount of time". (Gambescia, et al., 2009) The current climate
of distance education indicates a positive upswing in growth. Siemens said once we “bridge the gap of comfort” with technology, we will
naturally accept distance education. (Laureate
Education, 2009) Siemens goes on to
say with “contributions from experts around the world, increased use of
multimedia, games, and simulations, and growing trends supporting the Triple
Helix model, online learning [is] becoming a preferable medium of
learning”. (Laureate
Education, 2009)
We can improve the perception of
distance learning by actively encouraging institutions to equitably promote
their online programs. Currently, there
is a “lack of high visibility of university online degree program offerings”. (Gambescia, et
al., 2009) We can also seek ways to continue to improve
communication between students and instructors. Holmberg’s Theory of Interaction and
Communication is evident that communication is vital to online learning. (Simonson, 2012) It was also apparent
in our mini-surveys communication and interaction was very important to the
learners.
Our role as instructional designers
to be positive re-enforcement in the field of
distance education begins with applying sound
theory in our instructional design. Simonson et al. writes “According to Keegan,
a firmly based theory of distance education will be one that can provide the
touchstone against which decisions – political, financial, educational, social
– when they have to be made can be made with confidence.” (Simonson, et
al., 2012, pg. 42) We also need to use the appropriate tools in technology that
help meet the learning objectives.
Finally, we must seek
opportunities to assure the instructors of our products are adequately equipped
and trained to deliver a quality online experience.
I am convinced distance learning is here to stay. What we have already experienced with online
learning can only get better five to twenty years from now. The tables have already begun to turn with
the perception of distance learning.
Siemens said “distance education is growing in acceptance in
society as a whole”. (Laureate
Education, 2009) He attributes this to more people “having
experiences communicating online”. (Laureate Education, 2009) There is also no doubt instructional
designers will play an active role in continuous improvement in distant learning.
References
Gambescia, S. &. (2009). Academic Fidelity and
Integrity as Attributes of University Online Degree Program Offerings. Online
Journal of Distance Learning Administration, Volume XII, Number 1.
Laureate Education, I. (2009). The Future
of Distance Learning.
Simonson, M. S. (2012). Teaaching and
Learning at a Distance: Foundations of Distance Education. Boston: Pearson
Education.
