Distance Education and the next generation
Distance Education has shown a significant increase and will be emphasized with the next generation, according to Simonson (Laureate, 2008). Distance education has exploded over the past few decades. This advancement of technology has the ability to learn about different subjects from various locations that would not otherwise be possible until college or by other expensive course options. Moller, Huett, Foshay and Coleman (2008) authored a series of articles regarding distance education and believed there is usefulness in this advancement of technology but there should also be improvements in instructional design.
The authors believe there should be a transformation of the teaching methods, economic reforms and the organizational structure. I agree that these factors can be a obstruction to the continued development of distance education. I also believe that with the continual collaborative efforts of knowledgeable instructors and instructional design professionals’ online education will continue to improve and be a viable alternative to traditional schools for all ages and cultures on a global scale.
Huett, J., Moller, L., Foshay, W. & Coleman, C. (2008, September/October). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the Web (Part 3: K12). TechTrends, 52(5), 63–67.
Simonson, M. (2000). Making decisions: The use of electronic technology in online classes. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 84, 29–34.
DVD: Laureate Education, Inc. (2008). Principles of Distance Education. Baltimore: Simonson, M.
Simonson, M. (2000). Making decisions: The use of electronic technology in online classes. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 84, 29–34.
DVD: Laureate Education, Inc. (2008). Principles of Distance Education. Baltimore: Simonson, M.
Dwanell,
ReplyDeleteExcellent blog! I think you make several relevant points in that distance education has rapidly expanded over the past few years. When distance learning was once seen as something as of a vague notion of education that was not readily respect or accepted has now become somewhat of a typical educational experience. Transforming the “teaching methods, economic reform and organizational structure” will take some time but I think it will happen just as rapidly as distance education is not a fad.
What I think will becoming more common place is the idea of open online courses. Now those who wish to pursue a passion or to learn something more are not relegated to a 2 or 4 year degree and student loan or tuition – distance learning has opened the door to truly educating the masses. Here are two links that I think you will find of interest!
http://www.openculture.com/freeonlinecourses
http://cck11.mooc.ca/index.html
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and happy blogging!
Kimberly Arlia