What do you think the perceptions of distance learning will be in the future (in 5–10 years; 10–20 years)?
Distance learning programs have seen dramatic growth in the last decade (Benson). In the next 5-10 years, students will find more technology blended into the structure of academic life. According to a survey, over the next five years students will be concern about the availability of technologies as they select a university to attend (The Economist Intelligence Unit, 2008). The next generations are growing up with the technology that previous generations were not accustomed to and as a result we will see better perceptions and acceptance of online learning with the new generations. The concept of learning at a distance has obtained wide acceptance across the urbanized world (Muirhead, 2005). Distance learning offers learning to students all over the world. Dr. Siemen (2010) identifies global diversity as the normal trend within distance education (Laureate, Education, Inc.). Because of this I believe that distance learning will be more the norm in the next 20 years. While I believe that certain topics will perhaps still require face to face training I do believe that most subjects can and will be available online reducing student debt and making it possible to work and go to school for future learners.
How can you as an instructional designer be a proponent for improving societal perceptions of distance learning?
As the use of technology becomes more readily accepted, and as individuals become more familiar with the various tools available to bridge geographical distances, societal perceptions of distance learning will inevitably change (Laureate Education, Inc.) However, instructional designers of distance education courses must do their part to achieve effective distance education outcomes, in order to contribute to more positive societal perceptions. Sound instructional design is integral to this process. They must develop clear defined goals and objectives e designed to produce behavioral change, and to generate knowledge, they must make the course requirements clear and listen to the feedback from the students for improvement.
How will you be a positive force for continuous improvement in the field of distance education?
As an Instructional Designer dedicated to continuous improvement in the area of distance learning it would be my goal to enhance perceptions by suggesting specific delivery approaches with sound reasoning and design for the subject matter. Better use of simulated learning environments, utilizing the suggestions from surveys given online learners about the classes they take now would better define what needs to be done to make the environment a more positive learning experience. Currently in our classes we fill out a survey and thus far some of the suggestions I have made have gone largely ignored, as I continue to find the same issues in successive classes. For me this would be how I know my learning environment is successful so I would push to revise based on feedback. In our current course of study in Instructional design I am learning concepts that I did not see applied to the very course and it is those issues I would attempt to repair. Finally I would make sure that the subject matter as well as the facilitator make clear concise points and assignments
ReferencesJourney to excellence. (2011). Retrieved June 21, 2011 from http://www.journeytoexcellence.org/evaluation
Kim, K. J. & Bonk, C.J. (2006). The Future of Online Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: The Survey Says…
Lei, S. A., & Govra, R. K. (2010). College distance education courses: Evaluating benefits and costs from institutional, faculty and students' perspectives. Education, 130(4), 616-631
Muirhead, B. (2005). A Canadian perspective on the uncertain future of distance education. Distance Education, 26(2), 239-254. doi:10.1080/01587910500168884
The Economist Intelligence Unit. (2008) The future of higher education: How technology will shape learning. Retrieved June 21, 2011 from http://www.nmc.org/pdf/Future-of-Higher-Ed-(NMC).pdf
Siemens, .G, "The Future of Distance Education" [video format] Retrieved from Lecture Notes Online Web site: http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn CourseID=5089759&Survey=1&47=7136420&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=1&bhcp=1
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