The future of distance education

Perceptions of distance learning

Online learning can be defined as classes that can be delivered online in which students have little to no face-to-face contact (Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S., 2012).  People have the freedom to attend either traditional classes or online courses at colleges and universities.  However, online learning has increased over the years and it is expected to keep growing.  Researchers believe that distance learning will continue to grow with the advancements in technology.  Over the next 5 to 10 years, I expect that people will become more familiar with computer programs and computer hardware.  The Internet has become a place for business and leisure as well as education.  Social networking is very popular online, and instead of people talking face-to-face they use text messaging or send emails.  In 10-20 years, I believe that technology will make its way around the world and become a part of daily life in third-world countries.  It is a possibility that the only way to communicate will be electronically or in person.

The instructional designer and views on online learning

As a future instructional designer, I believe that I need to stay positive and continue to learn new technology when it becomes available.  In order to design online classes I need to continue to be trained on the use of effective instructional strategies, to develop instruction before the distance education course is designed, to visualize the ideas that I want to deliver, to provide plenty of resources to the students, to continue to motivate students to learn and to assess the learning experience (Simonson, M., et al., 2012).  In addition, I will remember that no one can design instruction alone.  I need to listen to the ideas of my instructional design team and remember that each student learns differently and at his or her own pace.  Not to mention, the best thing that I can do as an instructional designer is to share my personal experience with those who are skeptical about taking online classes.

Continuous improvement in the field of education

Improvements can be made in the field of online learning by having the instructors become trained in online learning tools and instructional methods.  Teachers need to be familiar with the Web 2.0 technology tools, its uses and how to instruct students to use them effectively.  Also, the instructors should be able to help students to acquire knowledge that will make them successful in the class.  Teachers should take a certification class in distance education before attempting to teach an online course.  It is not a good idea to transfer ideas from a traditional class to an online class without the proper training.

Views in society 

In the video, “The Future of Distance Education,” Dr. Siemens explains that distance education will continue to grow because people are becoming more familiar with technology (The future of distance education, 2012).  People are learning to trust technology to communicate and now to learn.  By interacting online, people can talk to people all over the world, talk to people from different cultures and use technology to improve paper processes.  Colleges and universities need to find a way to make students feel comfortable with technology that they will want to learn online.

References

The future of distance education. (2012). Retrieved from Laureate Education, Inc.: http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=6290464&Survey=1&47=6932490&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=1&bhcp=1

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2012). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.