The Next Generation of Distance Education (September 8, 2013)

The Next Generation of Distance Education * Blog Post #1

• After reading the three articles by Moller, Huett, Foshay, and Coleman, and listening to the Simonson video programs, compare and contrast the reasons these authors believe there is a need to evolve distance education to the next generation. Do you agree with their positions? Why or why not?

Distance education is becoming the equalizer to broaden student learning opportunities. Learners from different backgrounds work collaboratively to problem – solve. They delve into real – life situations and discover innovative concepts that impact social change. Moller, Huett, Foshay, and Coleman (2008) state that distance education allows instructors and learners to adopt potential individualization strategies that are not possible in the traditional classroom (p. 66). The challenge remains for practitioners to transform the craft of instructional technology and design into an engineering or science – style discipline (Moller, Huett, Forshay, and Coleman, 2008, p. 66). At the same time, the demand for professional development and support makes the implementation process challenging for practitioners. As distance learning opportunities evolve, learners will be able to transfer what they learn to real – life applications (Anderson, 2008, p. 39).

Distance education will continue to grow significantly. However, distance education will not replace traditional schools. There is a prediction that school training will include both face – to – face and distant learning environments. Simonson (2000) says that every student should have the opportunity to learn in acceptable and appropriate ways (p. 29). Employing a variety of technologies will help students achieve learning outcomes, and will also achieve equivalency (Simonson, 2000, p. 30). The goal of instructional planning is to make the sum of experiences for each learner equivalent. The goal of instructional planning is also to select instructional technologies that store and deliver the learning experiences effectively (Simonson, 2000, p. 30). Utilizing several resources is essential.

References:

Anderson, T. (Ed.). (2008). The theory and practice of online learning. (2nd ed.). Edmonton, AB: Athabasca University Press.

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).

Laureate Education, Inc. (2008). Distance Education: The Next Generation [Video].Baltimore, MD: Author.

Simonson, M. (2000). Making decisions: The use of electronic technology in online classrooms. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 84, 29–34. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database.