What do you think the perceptions of
distance learning will be in the future (in 5–10 years; 10–20 years)?
Distance education has
made great strides in the way course content is delivered via the web. Dr. Siemens pointed out that technology has
advanced to where it is not only feasible to create courses that are clean and
crisp, and easily seen and heard it is economically advisable, in many cases,
to create courses where geographical distance is no longer a factor (Laureate
Education, Inc., 2010). I definitely
agree with Dr. Siemens that in the next five to ten years distance learning
will increase dramatically. With the
rise of courses being offered through the web and the increase of adults
completing programs while working full time and taking care of a family,
distance learning will continue to appeal to many students because of the
flexibility and convenience.
There are many people who
still believe that distance education does not provide as much rigor as the
traditional classrooms provide. I disagree
because I have completed many courses online and received a great education in
regards to the instructional design program.
I believe that within ten to twenty years that distance education will
be the norm for any institution. Dr.
Siemens (2010) stated that distance education will continue to increase in
acceptance of society. Allen &
Seaman (2010) provided a wealth of information through their reports in regards
to the field of distance education. They
used surveys to obtain information related to online learning. From their results they indicated that
learning outcomes in online courses will equal or exceed that of a face-to-face
course within three years. Also the overall
rate for enrollment in online courses is expected to be 20%.
How can you
as an instructional designer be a proponent for improving societal perceptions
of distance learning?
As an instructional designer, I plan to continually
stay current with the technological trends and relate any of my projects to the
most current and effective methods of delivering instruction. Therefore, I will be a proponent for
improving societal perceptions of distance learning by constantly relating the
message to others of the importance of distance learning using the most up to
date research and methods to convey the message. I have had this discussion with many people
about distance learning and some people have a negative attitude towards this
method of learning. I have always
encouraged people to take courses online because some of their interpretations
of online learning is incorrect. There
are many things that I have learned through online courses that I could have
never learned in a face to face environment.
I have learned how to use many technological tools that will help be
useful in any position of instructional design.
I have also had the opportunity to meet and discuss content and
different topics with many people across the world. So for those reasons I believe that the
message I continue to pass on to other people will hopefully change the
perceptions of others.
How will you be a positive force for
continuous improvement in the field of distance education?
I will be a positive force
for continuous improvement in the field of distance learning by continually
improving my skills and remaining current on any new technological tool that is
being used in distance learning. As I
develop new skills as an instructional designer I am allowing myself to remain
current and flexible so that I can provide the best instruction to distance
learners. I will continue to apply the
most effective learning approaches and well-designed instruction, so that
learners will benefit and receive the most out of their instruction. “Well designed courses provide students with
engaging learning experiences” (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright & Zvaceak,
2012, p. 194).
There is a lot of data and research that support
distance learning. As an instructional
designer, I plan to search for new and more beneficial learning strategies so
that I can strengthen my methods of design and improve the field of distance
education.
References:
Allen, I. & Seaman, J. (2010). Learning
on demand: online education in the United States. Wellesley, MA: Sloan Consortium.
Siemens, G. (2010). The future of distance education. Laureate Education, Inc.
(Producer). Video.
Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., &
Zvacek, S. (2012). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance
education (5th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.
