Defining Distance Learning

If you would have asked me what distance learning is, I would have said that based on my experiences, it is when one participates in obtaining knowledge, formal or informal education from a person or place where they are not physically located.

The first time I experienced the notion of distance learning was when I took a Canadian college course during the summer months while working in Bermuda.   The classes were presented via VHS cassettes that I had to borrow from the university, and completed assignments had to be mailed by a specific date.   If I needed assistance, I would have to call my professor during office hours, which did not often happen due to long-distance phone charges.  I found this form of learning challenging, and I was unsuccessful as I realized I required the interactions I would experience in the classroom to be more motivated.   

My second attempt at distance learning came many years later when I wanted to pursue a master’s degree from a United States University. By this time, I was married, had two toddler-aged children, and worked full-time.  The course required that I spend time in synchronous discussions using the software they provided, the internet, and a computer.  The course design limited my flexibility regarding when I could work on assignments.  This experience was better than my first one, primarily due to regular interaction with my classmates.

My recent attempt to obtain a master’s degree has been the most flexible. The degree I am currently pursuing provides multiple opportunities to interact with professors and students using a computer and an internet-based Learning Management System.  I particularly appreciate the asynchronous model of learning that allows me to have more control over when I can complete my assignments.

Just examining my experiences with distance learning can help explain why creating a definition has been challenging.  Therefore, I would somewhat agree with Simonson et al. (2019) definition of distance education as an “Institutionally-based formal education, where the learning group is separated and where interactive communications technologies are used to connect the instructor, learners, and resources” (p. 40).  

Distance Learning has progressed in so many ways based on technology alone.  As technology continues to evolve, I believe that the part of the definition referring to technology will continue to apply.  This term can refer to newer forms of equipment, such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality paraphernalia, which can change how distance learning is presented.   How exciting it would be to have virtual reality classrooms that allow for the feel of face-to-face instruction that can still be classified as distance education.

I think the use of the term formal as it relates to accredited institutions is debatable.  With the development of micro-credentials and Masterclasses that have developed from a need to obtain specific knowledge quickly, my definition of distance education includes the term informal.

My definition: Distance Education is the obtaining of formal or informal education from an organization using technology to interact and communicate with people in geographically different places. 

 References

Simonson, M., Zvacek, S., & Smaldino, S. (2019). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (7th ed.) Information Age Publishing.