Perception of Distance Learning

With how quickly technology has advanced over the last half century, for instance the computer system in my cellphone is more powerful than a whole room full of computers from the 1960’s , no one can know what technology will bring us over the next 10 to 20 years but what we do know is that  “Distance education will play a central role in that future, as technology-delivered curricula will be offered by educational institutions and private corporations on a global basis to anyone, anywhere, at anytime” (Simonson).  Over the next 20 years, distance education will begin to become more of the norm than the weird off shoot of standard educational practices.   Students are being raised in a world full of technology and in order for schools to continue to be effective they will need to find a way to use this technology and meet the needs of our students and Distance learning course will be a way to do this.

As an instructional designer, it is important to create course that can effectively meet the needs of the students, by doing this, students leave the educational experience with a positive outlook, and thus are more likely to spread the good word of distance education.  One way to do this is to provide the students with clear map of what they are going to learn over the course, for instance supplying them with a detailed syllabus.  “Instructors of online course must make the course organization calendar, activities, and expectations as clear as possible.  Students need this kind of structure and detail to help them stay organized and on task” (Simonson).  

I can really see blended learning classes building in popularity as well. In a blended learning environment, the instructor is asked to create a learning environment where students have a possibility to actively participate in their learning, while feeling safe to share their thoughts and ideas. “Learners who are engaged in learning are actively participating in their own understanding of the content.” (Simonson)

After reading this week’s discussion, one negative heard about online distance learning was the delayed nature of the online class discussions and the ability to question the instructor directly.  One way that I might look to address this issue is through use of more online video discussions.  In this and many others courses, our instructors have used skype in order to answer the needs and questions students, but normally these are only one one one.  My idea is to add an semi-optional discussion forum using a technology like Google Hangouts, this would be an live online discussion, lead by the instructor, students can share their thoughts and receive immediate feedback on their thinking.  I would call it semi-optional because one of the positives of online learning is working at your own time and pace, but this would require students to meet online at a given time and place.  By making it semi-optional, you can ask students to participate at least one discussion through out the class so that they could still work at their own pace.

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2012). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (5th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.