Distance Learning
Simonson,
Smaldino, Albright and Zvacek (2012) in Teaching
and Learning at a Distance: Foundation of Distance Education, defines
distance education “as institution-based, formal education where the learning
group is separated and where interactive telecommunications systems are used to
connect learners, resources and instructors” (p.32)
Before
this course, I had not understood much about distance learning. My definition
of distance learning was education outside of a classroom by use of a video
tape of lectures or by computers. The assumption I had about this course before
it started was that it would cover the basics of teaching online classes. Now I am learning that distance learning
covers much more than I ever imagined it was.
I found that
distance learning is a flexible alternative learning style to the traditional
classroom setting in which the same educational goal is achieved. Teacher and student are connected by
technology such as smart phones, android tablets and computers that brings
educational opportunities to the learner anytime and at the learners own pace.
The
beginning of distance learning goes back more than 100 years, newspaper
advertisements for correspondence courses on learning how to write short hand.
(Simonson p. 37) Linda Hinkle wrote in The History
of Distance Learning, “Born out of a need for educational opportunities to
reach a geographically dispersed population, the first distance learning was in
the form of correspondence courses.”(2009),
this was done by sending the learning materials to the prospective
students’ homes. As the postal systems grew
so did the growth of distance learning.
As technology and social environments grew it opened the doors for a
better form of communications between student and instructor. Pen, paper, and the postal service were used
to connect them. As communication technologies (audio, video, and data) became
readily accessible to learners, these have been increasingly used. Today
cellphones provide access to the web, graphics and video; wireless networks are
available at schools and stores; and Internet access in homes is available
through television cables and fiber optics.
In
today’s society, the economy affects how and where the modern student
learns. Students who are single parents,
caregivers, full time employees, disabled or unable to attend traditional
classes are now seeking the same education in the form of distance learning.
They are attending online classes at reputable schools that offer several
degrees or certificates while allowing the student to continue with their
everyday lives of working and taking care of their families with as few interruptions
as possible.
These
students may attend strictly online or have a combination of classes online and
in a traditional offsite campus that will be taught by instructors who will
represent the participating college of the student’s choice. The need to
understand computers is a must to keep up with the technology that goes with
the new age of distance learning. Through modern technologies such as the
internet, computers, laptops, tablets and smart phones, allow the distant
learner access to his or her classes at any time and any place, check
correspondences, university updates, check homework assignments and view
financial accounts and grades.
Before
taking this course, I had taken several online classes for my Associates Degree
and a 50/50 mixture of online and traditional classes for my Bachelor’s
Degree. My first online class took me a
couple of days to understand exactly what I was doing. With the help of
classmates and the instructor I was able to get in the swing of things. I now prefer
to do all my classes online while still maintaining my family life with very
little interruptions. As a distance
learner then and now time management can be difficult. I have to set aside time for studying,
projects, discussions. Sometimes life disrupts those plans and I have to readjust
my educational life schedule to it.
As
distance learning continues to change and advance, the more colleges will be
able to use distance learning as a means to reach more students across the
globe. I see instructional designers designing programs with the instructor
that will meet the educational needs of students in a distance learning
setting.
Tomorrow may bring a virtual classroom setting. With the use of the cameras, glasses and
virtual programs, my grandchildren may be attending classes in virtual world
without leaving the house. Put on a pair
of glasses sit in front of a computer or television and enter the educational
world. With this virtual setting,
students will unite all over the world to sit and meet their fellow classmates
and instructor.
Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., &
Zvacek, S. (2012). Teaching and Learning at a Distance (Fifth ed.). Boston:
Pearson Education, Inc.
Hinkle
L, November 29, 2009 The History of
Distance Learning
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