Final Reflection: The Future of Distance Learning

Distance Learning has come a long way over the past 160 years. From correspondence study to courses on the World Wide Web, distance learning is an ever evolving phenomenon. This is evidence that distance learning, although slowly is gaining acceptance all over.

I think that the perceptions of distance learning in the next 5-10 years will be positive ones. I don’t see distance learning taking the place of traditional face 2 face classes, but I do see it being more widely accepted by the masses. As new technologies are created, improved, and more readily available, people will be more inclined to take advantage of distance learning. According to Dr. Siemens (2010), acceptance of distance of learning will be fueled by an increase of online communications, practical experience with new tools, the ability to communicate with diverse and global groups, and comfort with online discourse.

As an instructional designer I can be a positive force in improvement in the field of distance education by staying up to date on the currents events in the instructional design field and continuing to build my skills. I can also continue to design effective and interactive learning modules. In addition, I can help people to become computer literate so that they are able to use the minimum technologies that are involved in distance education.

I can be a proponent for improving societal perceptions by educating the public on the pros of distance learning by giving them positive examples from a student perspective and from an instructional designer perspective. I will inform them that online degree programs can provide one with a quality education just as much as a traditional program. Society should also be taught how to look for quality accredited distance learning programs. In addition, encourage institutions to take more pride in their distance learning courses and to promote them more.

References
Siemens, G. (2010). The Future of Distance Education. Retrieved from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=4603379&Survey=1&47=6354370&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=1&bhcp=1&BrswrOK=1&PrevRef=http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn%3FCourseID%3D4603379%26Survey%3D1%2647%3D6354370%26ClientNodeID%3D984650%26coursenav%3D1&submit1=Continue

Converting to a Distance Learning Format

In the following scenario a training manager has been frustrated with the quality of communication among trainees in his face-to-face training sessions and wants to try something new. With his supervisor’s permission, the trainer plans to convert all current training modules to a blended learning format, which would provide trainees and trainers the opportunity to interact with each other and learn the material in both a face-to-face and online environment. In addition, he is considering putting all of his training materials on a server so that the trainees have access to resources and assignments at all times.

Before converting his program, the trainer needs to take into consideration if distance learning is feasible or not. If so then the trainer needs to make sure that the trainees have access to and are able to utilize the selected technology. I think that it is a good idea that the trainer wants to put all of the training material online for the trainees. In order to encourage the trainees to communicate online, the trainer could set-up online activities such as creating as ice breakers and a discussion board. The trainer also needs to be aware that his role in a distance learning environment will change. The trainer will become more of a guide rather than a teacher.

References
Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., Zvacek, S. (2009). Teaching and learning at a distance (4th ed.). Boston: Pearson

Click here to view the Best practices guide.

Open Course Websites

Open courseware is described as the publication on course material by higher education institutions and shared with others on the web (Simonson et al, 2009). The open course website that I chose to evaluate is the Historical Jesus on Stanford on iTunes. It took me a minute to find a course that I actually wanted to sit and listen to. I didn’t totally agree with all that was said by the instructor Thomas Sheehan, but it was none the less interesting.

The courses of course are presented as audio or video podcasts via iTunes. The course is broken up into ten sections and a course syllabus. The course is in lecture format with a discussion at the end of each. I listened to the Call Me Yeshua lecture. This course was not a pre-planned or designed for the distance learning environment. The course is just a recording of a series of lectures. I think that might have worked if it was a video podcast rather than audio because Sheehan uses a lot of in-class visuals whether it be handouts or examples on the chalkboard. It would have been nice it these could have been seen by the listener. Listening to this podcast, I can conclude that the course also has a website, so it can be considered a hybrid course. This course is at its best a true definition of open courseware. It was posted online as is by Stanford for the purposes of sharing with others. This course does not follow the recommendations for online instruction as listed in the course textbook. As stated above, the only course activity was the discussion after the lecture.

Overall, I think that it is great that schools of higher learning have put some of there course online for other to experience. I wouldn't mind continuing using this open course provided that the schools put more topics that are of interest to me.

References
Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., Zvacek, S. (2009). Teaching and learning at a distance (4th ed.). Boston: Pearson.

Stanford on iTunes U http://itunes.stanford.edu/