Reflection: The Future of Distance Learning

As we move through the 21st century we continue to see a rapid advancement in communication technologies and the multimedia industry. There is global acceptance of the use of the Internet for communications, and people are increasingly expecting information to be available on demand (Siemens, n.d.).


These changes present a unique opportunity to our outdated school systems and aging brick and mortar schools. With the demand to improve the learning opportunities for our children, and the decline in education funding I believe that there will be an exponential growth and acceptance of distance learning as the new norm for educating our citizens.

Siemens tells us that we can expect new communication technologies to continue to be developed (Siemens, n.d.). He explains that experts from around the globe can easily interact and collaborate with others with similar interests, via audio and video links that easily facilitate the interaction, and as the global experience with technology expands, there will be a coming together of Industry, Government, and Universities that will redesign education. Siemens projects a rise in the use of games, simulations and multimedia learning objects which will continue to improve learners’ motivation and the desire to engage in the learning process (Belanger & Jordan, 2000).

Based on the growth in acceptance of technology, I believe that distance learning will continue to gain popularity and acceptance as an equivalent means of acquiring knowledge. As an instructional designer I can assist in the development of a positive perception of distance learning by demonstrating a professional approach to designing courses. By demonstrating my knowledge of education theories and proven instructional methods in my design process I can show perspective users that there are high standards in place for the design of distance courses. When I have an opportunity to speak to those who have a negative perception or are inexperienced with distance learning I can explain these standards and encourage them to investigate distance learning opportunities available to them. In fact, I did have this chance during week 7 interviews and I have seen the progress in one of the young women I interviewed. She has come back to me to tell me that after speaking with me about distance learning she went online to investigate top learning programs in her profession. She was pleasantly surprised to find that her perceptions were unfounded and she sees there may be significant value in her ongoing training.

I intend to continue to remain involved in distance learning, as an instructor, mentor, and student. I am looking forward to seeing the evolution of our education systems with the emerging technologies that will allow courses to be easily adapted to meet individual learner’s needs.

References


Belanger, F., & Jordan, D. H. (2000). Evaluation and implementation of distance learning: technologies, tools and techniques (pp. 2-30). Hershey, PA: Idea Group Publishing.

Siemens, G. (Narrator). (n.d.). The future of distance education [Online video]. Baltimore: Laureate Education.

Converting to Distance Learning

Best Practice Guide for Converting a Traditional Course to Distance Learning

Peter Cheese, in his article “Netting the Net Generation”, identifies the characteristics of the recruits in the workforce as having grown up with new technology, being actively involved in networking and collaborating, and being instinctively able to respond to the demands of business in the Internet age. These workers do not expect to be employed for a lifetime with one company, and are known to actively seek out learning opportunities, enjoying a fast-paced and continuously changing job market.

Trainers in today’s corporations may look for creative ways to address the company’s instructional needs while meeting the needs of this “Net Generation” of workers. When considering the transformation of a traditional training course to a distance learning course, there are some considerations to be made.

To review the complete document go to http://www.scribd.com/doc/62774071