Before I began seeking information
regarding distance learning, I was under the impression that DL was very
limited in what it could offer. I was aware of certificate programs via mail
and had actually tried that in the past; however, I was aware that a master’s
degree could not be obtained through “mail order”. Since I wanted to obtain
more information as to the programs available through DL, I conducted research
online. I looked through blogs, boards, and university sites trying to obtain a
thorough understanding of the demands and requirements of learning through the
internet.
Distance learning for me meant that
I would obtain instruction through the computer. For me, this included a
pre-recorded lesson that I would access, a web-based lesson or something else
self-paced. I expected a professor to create said lessons and I expected not to
have such interactive communication with individuals, whether a professor or
other classmates. I assumed that the books would be available in print and that
I would be assigned work, I would complete it, I would turn it in, and on to
the next assignment at my own pace. I never expected deadlines, guidelines, or
as I stated above, interactions.
Now that I have learned, through
reading and experience, what DL is, I am amazed at realizing how incorrect my
understanding was. According to According to Dr. Michael Simonson (2011),
Distance Learning is “formal education that is institutionalized based where a
learning group (teachers, students, and resources) are separated by geography,
time and where technology are used to link the resources between the teacher
and learner”. I believe that the importance of this formal education is the
quality of the education. According to Moller, et. al., (2008), “the spread of
performance-based testing and the growing concern with quality distance
education are leading a number of providers to examine models of quality based on
learner performance”. As such, “distance education could eventually be the
point of leverage to develop and to propagate performance-based quality
standards throughout post-secondary education”.
My new definition for DL is that DL
can be obtained through the computer as well as through other technological
tools, which include pre-recorded tools, web-lessons, and self-paced lessons.
These tools only supplement core educational principles and concepts, which are
provided in a pre-designed instruction curriculum and one that provides the
opportunity to interact and learn with others to augment the outcome of the
lessons.
The future of DL is somewhat
predictable but its complete progression is yet unknown. Judging by current technological
advances and how said advances have made DL rapidly develop and advance to a
level unforeseen by many, we can only predict that DL will advance further with
the refinement of the principles and the further advancement of technology. I
believe there will never be a “final product” for DL because the more
advancement achieved by technology, the more it will provide an opportunity for
DL to further develop. However, it is my opinion that traditional methods of
instruction will always remain and will serve as the principles for creation
and evaluation curriculum development.
References
Moller,
L., Foshay, W. R., Huett, J. (2008). The Evolution of Distance Education:
Implications for Instructional Design on the Potential of the Web. Tech Trends
52(4).
Simonson, M. (2011). Laureaute
Education. [Video].
