Module 1- The next generation of distance educaiton

What comes to mind when you hear the term distance education? Many would immediately think of post secondary online institutions; however in today’s education system the term, distance education, does not only applies to college programs, but now this type of teaching and instruction is rapidly growing in k-12 education.  Many questions and concerns from students and as well as instructors about the learning environment and impact the online environment may have on participants.

Dr. Michael Simonson (2000) discussed the importance of establishing a balance of theories presented in distance education. He believes that the way distance education is established and perceived should evolve to the nest step or generation, just as the traditional face to face teaching evolved as new technology and strategies are presented (Simonson, 2000).  The idea behind distance education provides opportunity to learn and build skills in a variety of ways depending on the learner as well as the instructor. Simonson presents the idea that distance education should not be identical to face to face teaching; in fact, it should be equivalent to face to face teaching. Meaning learners have access to participate in the same learning experience through the use of different technologies, strategies, and experiences to meet the same learning outcomes. (Simonson, 2000).

Moller, Forshay, Huett and Coleman (2008) composed a series of three articles discussions components of distance learning focused mainly on the business approach as well as the impact of instructional design on the distance learning program as well as the learner.  The view these authors took on the importance of instructional design and the composition of the online programs differed from that view that Simonson took. I feel that both aspects and points of view are valuable to establishing a successful distance learning community. Moller, Forshay and Coleman (2008) felt that distance education can be beneficial for a variety of reasons, but distance education in aspects of k-12 instruction lacks adequate support and research to enable it to be as successful as post secondary institutions and businesses.  Because of this lack of support and knowledge, I feel that many students that struggle in the traditional setting do not often get the opportunity to participate in an online learning community that may better suit their learning styles.

Overall, both opinions have valid points and foresee the change in the future of distance learning either to keep up with the vast growth of participants or due to the change in technological advances.  Due to the rapid growth in distance education and advancements in technology, over the next ten years I feel that distance education will have a great impact on many aspects of our society.  

References

Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008, May/June). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web (Part 1: Training and development). TechTrends, 52(3), 70-75.
Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008, May/June). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web (Part 2: Higher education). TechTrends, 52(4), 66-70.

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 classrooms. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 84, 29–34. 
http://www.mediafire.com/file/3422mbnbb342zeh/Simonson2000.pdf


Heather Rogers responded to Vida Martin & Martha Thidbodeau 9/17/2011