Defining Distance Learning

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].