Distance education: the only type of learning with several different names such as distance education, e-learning, virtual school, online learning...however their is only one outcome the acquiring of knowledge with the use of a computer. After reading the article and listening to the vodcast Distance Education: The Next Generation” by Dr. Michael Simonson, it is safe to say that the evolution of distance education is a topic of discussion around the world. However, every one's views on the need to evolve distance education the next generation. Dr. Simonson believes that distance educations needs to be evolved to the next generation because it allows for learning different types of skills at a distance. Simonson compares the evolution of distance education to the evolution of the computer. He stated that the computer grew over time and "if you look at the pattern of distance education we can expect growth to continue". Anyone with vision can see how computers have shaped our lives and changed our lives, and Simonson believes that distance education is headed this way as well. He believes that it should be widely adopted and used, but never to abolish traditional schools.
Authors Moller, Wellesley, Foshay, and Huett of the articles Implications for Instructional Design on the Potential of the Web think otherwise. They have different reason to believe that distance education should not evolve to the next generation just yet. They feel as though there are some things that need to be worked out before it evolves. Some of those things include instructors having the proper training, broaden courses offered, cost, and distance education (virtual schooling) being used effectively.
Both authors believe that distance education has the potential to evolve and evolve rapidly because it is growing constantly right now as we speak. I agree with both of the authors and their views on the evolution of distance education. I believe that it does provide learners with skills that they never knew existed and that it is a powerful tool if used correctly. However, there are somethings that could be done differently with distance education before the next generation is introduced to it.
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.
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Kimberly,
ReplyDeleteYou picked the same template as me! I keep saying I hate green but I always pick it, green carpet, green couch!
I also do not see traditional schools going away anytime in the future. Learners do like the structure of face to face interaction and it ability to have instant communication.
Marcia
Kimberly
ReplyDeleteYour definition that distance education is the acquiring of knowledge with the use of a computer is excellent (Davis, 2009). If we do not acquire knowledge after completing online courses then e-learning is a failure. However, I do not believe that e-learning will be a failure because it has the potential to enhance the way we learn and communicate with others. As you mentioned, distance education has the potential to provide learners with learning opportunities like we have never experienced before. For example, as learners become more familiar with online learning environments, they will be able to experience personal customization, which is the process of rising to new academic heights using one’s individual learning preferences and strengths (Moller, Foshay, & Huett, p. 75).
Davis, K. (2009, December 16). The evolution of distance education. My educational journey. Message posted to: http://educationaljourney1908.blogspot.com/
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.
Kimberly,
ReplyDeleteI agree with Marcia that traditional schools will not disappear soon. I do see a greater merging of the traditional with the online model to use the strengths of both methods of administering education.
I think we need to understand the challenges that learning and teaching present in this age of the digital native. How we present content, direct learning, engage thinking, encourage interaction, and motivate for success will be key to the progression toward the "next generation" of online education.
Just thinking!
David
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ReplyDeleteThe online environment for distance education really does allow one to tap into and enhance new skills. Furthermore, as students and teachers who use technology, you can be quite creative and make lesson plans flexible. I have personally found it interesting to learn what other educators are experiencing in their classrooms across the country.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Dr. Simonson that distance education should be introduced to the next generation, but traditional schools still play an important role in education as well. In my opinion, the growth of enrollment in distance education has grown a great deal and will continue to do so. Although there has been a growth in distance education, I don't believe traditional schools have been affected by the growth. I predict that both settings (tradtional and distance learning)will continue to grow.
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed my experiences with distance education. However, I have also experienced challenges. This is probably the first semester that has presented the most, but I think if I continue using some of the new concepts I have been introduced to that I will feel more comfortable using them. Kimberly, you mentioned an important point in your initial post that some changes need to be made. What are some things you would do differently to improve it?
ReplyDeleteHi Kimberly. You mentioned that there are some things that could be done differently with distance education. Can you provide some examples?
ReplyDeleteTim.