Reflection

 The Future of Distance Learning

Introduction

            Distance Learning is defined as “formal education in which the learning group (teachers, students, and resources) are separated by geography and sometimes time” (Walden University, n.d.-a, 2:18).  Over the last twenty years, Distance learning has gained popularity (Moller et al., 2008) and even more so since the 2020 Covid pandemic in the corporate and educational fields. It is a form of education that has existed for centuries, evolving from correspondence studies to internet-based courses as technical innovations have emerged (Walden University, n.d.-a). Known as virtual schooling in K-12, e-learning in the private and corporate sectors, and distance education in higher learning organizations (Simonson et al., 2019), there are no indicators that its popularity will decrease.

The Future of Distance Learning

Accepting distance learning as the counterpart to in-person classes is a proposed solution to improving the quality of education and training in schools, businesses, and universities. In the USA, over fifteen years ago, in 2005, the general legislation Act for K-12 Virtual Public Schools was developed (American Legislative Exchange Council, 2005). The Act was established because there are recognized benefits of distance education. Benefits that include but are not limited to providing all learners with:

·         Access to high-quality learning resources

·         Opportunities to participate in enrichment courses

·         Occasions to collaborate with others around the world. (Simonson et al., 2019). 

In addition to these listed benefits, Corporate Businesses save money on staff training, and Higher learning students can work and attend school while obtaining a degree (Hill, 2012). As people become more comfortable with distance education, it will become an accepted way to learn (Walden University, n.d.-b), as proven by the development of online Master Classes and Micro credential courses.

Designing Distance Education

As instructional designers, we are tasked with developing distance education opportunities that will make learners comfortable with this learning method. Using the ADDIE or any related design model, instructional designers will have to plan instructional opportunities that:

·         Uses learning theories to meet student needs (Walden University, n.d.-c).

·         Recognize the geographical and cultural differences of the learners (Walden University, n.d.-c).

·         Make all learning resources accessible to all learners (Burgstahler, 2017).

·         Encourages students to build social relationships through communication (Walden University, n.d. -b).

What’s Next

            Three years ago, the question “will it be available online?” was not often asked, but today more people want to join learning experiences either in person or from a location they choose. In five years, I forecast entirely online, hybrid, and blended distance education will be expected options for any learning opportunity in corporate and educational institutions. 

           

 

References

American Legislative Exchange Council. (2005, January 1). Virtual public schools act. https://alec.org/model-policy/the-virtual-public-schools-act/#:~:text=The%20Virtual%20Public%20Schools%20Act,public%20school%20in%20the%20state.

Burgstahler, S. (2017). Equal access: Universal design of distance learning programs. Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology. https://www.washington.edu/doit/equal-access-universal-design-distance-learning-programs

Hill, P. (2012). Online educational delivery models: A descriptive view. EDUCAUSE Review, 47, pp. 85–97. https://er.educause.edu/~/media/files/article%20downloads/erm1263.pd

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

Walden University, LLC. (Producer). (n.d.-a). Distance education: The next generation [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

Walden University, LLC. (Producer). (n.d.-b). The future of distance education [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

Walden University, LLC. (Producer). (n.d.-c). Theory and distance learning [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu