Teaching and Learning at a Distance: Reflection

Chapter one from this semester’s text book provided some really exceptional information on the foundations of distance education. Currently, from these authors, (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, & Zvacek, p.10., 2009), as well as from other research, distance education is very effective, because students studying at a distance learns just as much as traditional students. However, at the same time, even though George Siemens see distance education as preference for students and increasing in the future, students stated their first choice, currently, is not to learn at a distance, because they prefer meeting with the learning group, instructor in the classroom, lecture hall, seminar room, or the laboratory (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, & Zvacek, p.5., 2009). That is, they value the social contact. Could future communication and technological tools, used at a distance, really replace those real social experience in a digital age of information? I think not. What I do think would is the abilities to communicate and experience learning with those diverse and the global groups of the world. As an adult, learning with students located in different states and different cultures is amazing to me; more than simply being in a face to face social setting

Chapter two provided some really extensive information on the history of distance education. Since, as it stated, currently distance education uses mass produced courseware, as well as open learning by placing emphases on the learning audience needs, p.35. I would think the perception of distance learning in the next five to ten years would be even greater than it is now. One reason I think is because of technology. More and more people, especially the adults that would be still working are going to need to learn and keep up with the requirements of the workplace. Therefore, I think it would be a rush to learning. What better way to learn for an adult learner? In the next ten to twenty years, I think more students will be learning and studying with more technology, such as in Second Life. I think other technology like Web-TV would become essential to the learner that has been out of school for years. Students could take preparatory courses using WebTV, see and feel closer to an instructor. Students may even have more influence in what required courses are in their degree programs in ten to twenty years into the future.

I think I could be an advocate for improving societal perceptions of distance learning by first teaching their children, based on their needs and wants. One way to do this is by using and teaching 21^st century technologies and the many learning theories and individual styles. Promoting participation in online studies, such as engaging in deep levels of discussion, feedback, sharing information, collaboration in team groups, as well as holding your own are key interactions in an online setting (Simonson, Smaldino,Albright, Zavcek, p.166. 2009) Telling and showing how fun an online setting could be first and responsibilities would induce understanding to the table. Promoting distance education at High School visits, such as for career day and to inform society on what is distance education could support education.

I could be a positive force for continuous improvement in the field of distance education by keeping up with new technologies, and new information for Instructional Designers and in Education. Membership to education newsletters and blogs would become very useful and informative data. Taking additional new courses every now and then in Education or Instructional Design would keep me fresh. Finding my place among our predecessors would be a positive force to in continue to improve the distance education community.

Reference

Boettcher, J.V. (1996). Distance learning: looking into the crystal ball . Retrieved from

http://www.designingforlearning.info/services/writing/jvb_cause.html

Meyer, K.A. (n.d.). Quality in distance education. Retrieved from

http://www.ericdigests.org/2003-4/distance-education.html

Siemens, G. (Photographer). (2011). The future of distance education. [Web]. Retrieved from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn? CourseID=4744647&Survey=1&47=6483045&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=1&bhcp=1

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2009). Teaching and

     learning  at a distance: Foundations of distance education (4th ed.) Boston, MA:

     Pearson.

Web tv ~ internet & e-mail on your tv. (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://www.azwebtv.com/internet-devices.html