Distance Learning and the Future

As this course comes to a close, my perception of distance learning and the detailed planning involved in creating an effective course has changed significantly.  In a previous post titled ‘Mind Map’ I shared the definition of distance learning as learning that was institutionally based and involved separation of teacher and student, sharing of data video and voice and used interactive telecommunications (Simonson et al, 2012).

There are several disputing views about distance learning.  Although distance learning is becoming more popular and online professional development courses are becoming common in the workplace, there is still a slight stigma attached to online degree programs for some people.  Many still feel that a degree obtained from an online program is not as valid as a degree obtained in the face-to-face environment and concerns related to these degree programs stem from questions about accreditation and the fact that pretty much anyone is able to study online once they have access to the internet.

As distance learning becomes more common and more students choose to learn using this method, society will likely change its perception.  As I interviewed several people on their views of distance learning, many felt they would take a degree course online and all had taken some kind of course online.  The Horizon Report of 2013 lists Massively Open Online Courses as a technology to watch in the ‘near-term horizon’.  It is predicted that online learning courses will become very common and at this point it will be crucial for accreditation to be fully understood by students and the workforce. It will be imperative that management in the workforce and learners know of appropriate accreditation boards. Universities that offer courses online will compelled to design well-structured and effective courses in order to gain this accreditation. 

As an instructional designer, it will be essential to design these well-structured courses using an instructional design method such as the ADDIE model that fosters effective learning.  With the continuing growth in technology and the common use of technology tools such as wikis and blogs, instructional designers will need to ensure that courses incorporate these tools and create a student-centered learning environment.  Simonson et al (2012) encourage courses to be designed that promote ‘active learning, collaboration, mastery of course material and student control of the learning process’ (p. 123).  Well-designed courses and well-rounded degree holders entering the workforce should eventually change society’s perception. 

As a student using distance learning to obtain a masters degree through Walden University, I can say that I believe these courses to be fully effective and personally prefer this method of learning to that of a wall-to-wall classroom.  It has been exciting learning this course content as it has allowed me to become more knowledgeable of the features of distance learning. I believe I now have more understanding of the responsibilities of deigning an online course.

References:

Johnson, L., Adams, S., Cummins, M., Estrada, V., Freeman, A. & Ludgate, H. 2013. The NMC Horizon Report: 2013 Higher Education Edition. Retrieved October 27, 2013 from http://www.nmc.org/pdf/2013-horizon-report-HE.pdf

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