Defining Distance Learning

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The ever changing definition evolves as the technology advances. The various settings and situations of application show that distance learning is even more than ever before. Change is part of the growth pattern in evolving. Naturally distance learning must always change as technology improves. The technical engineering that takes place is a major factor in the ever changing distance learning definition. Another factor is suiting the setting. With so many different settings that are attainable, the term distance learning must be applied accurately.
The person’s profession and technical knowledge dictate how changes influence distance learning. This is due the differences in tools that can impact learning training and performance for any profession. The tools resources and measures must fit the job. The tools of technical knowledge and the profession bring valuable insight to a task. The distance learning process is a diverse areas that requires a balance skills tools resources and strategies to be effective

 

“Distance education seems to be a new idea to most educators of today (Albright et al).” This is how I felt before enrolling in the ID master’s program. “However, the concepts that form the basis of this type of education are more than a century old (Albright et al).” This is what I have begun to learn as delving into the program continues. The Impact of distance education can be seen in k-12, higher education and corporate training. The impact distance learning has had on instructional design in K–12 settings has enhanced the learning potential of students because it can be applied to any situation or setting that is open to utilizing technology

Before beginning the EDUC 6135 course on distance learning, my definition of distance was a recently new alternative concept to teaching and learning from anywhere. Learning from a distance, learning without going to a face to face classroom setting was my definition of distance learning. Learning through alternative methods such as video, internet, audio, computer or television were part of this personal definition or idea of distance learning. This was initially thought only to be limited education in a school setting. Initially my thoughts were that it was limited to higher education. Later discovering that it was not only limited to higher education my perspective widened and curiosity grew to learn more about distance learning. Teaching in a similar environment from which I learned, my goal is to improve and enhance learning so I began to explore the wide ranging topic of distance education. Then I began to see the importance of alternative and developed learning and teaching methods and strategies.

Now my understanding is that distance learning is a method of learning that has been around over a hundred years by learning with meeting with others  not in a face to face setting through many mediums such as telecommunication telephone satellite books video, internet, audio, computer or television. Mail radio WebCT blackboard mobile and other web 2.0 resources are also utilized.  This used not only educationally but also at the professional level and any level of education or career. In chapters one and two of Teaching and Learning At a Distance defines distance learning in a widely accepted manner. “Institution based formal education where the learning group is separated, and where interactive telecommunications systems are used to connect learners, resources and instructors (Albright et al 32).” This definition is also well illustrated in the timeline continuum provide with the week one resources.

 

An environment in which technology, society, economics, politics, and theories of learning are all in transition suggests that definitions, theories, and the practice of distance education will continue to be contested. This theme of change will both challenge and motivate distance educators and researchers as they strive to understand and develop effective ways to meet the needs of learners around the world (Albright et al).

 

I for one assumed that distance learning was new but as the saying states there is nothing new under the sun, it showed me through the readings and videos other resources it has been around for longer than I was aware. The ongoing changes in technology will show hoe it will continue to add more to the definition or area of study in distance education. “Distance Learning Timeline Continuum”, the interactive timeline of the evolution of distance learning concludes by stating: Some of these technological advancements were quickly replaced with more advanced technology in the United States. However, in developing countries, some of the older technologies, radio programming for instance, continue to be used innovatively to enable mass access to education. The vast area of distance education continues to grow and will always be a dominant force in providing access to knowledge because

as much as our understanding of technology in education and training has developed over the past 40 years, we still understand only a small fraction of what is required to transform the craft of instructional technology and design into an engineering or science-style discipline (Foshay et al v52 n5).

Distance Education will contiuue to impact everyone in more ways than we even realize.

The following link is a nice illustration of evolution of tecnology and distance education. I felt like fit the week one topic: Evolution of Distance Education

 

Refenences

Albright, M., Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Zvacek, S. (2012). Teaching and Learning at a Distance: Foundations of Distance Education (5th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.

Coleman, C., Foshay, W., Huett, J., Moller, L. (2008). The evolution of distance education: Implications  for instructional design on the potential of the web (Part 3: K12).

            TechTrends, 52(5), 63–67 Retrieved 10/29/13 from Academic Search Complete Database

Foshay, W. R., Huett, J., Moller, L . (2008). The evolution of distance education: Implications For Instructional Design on the Potential of the Web. TechTrends 52(3),

70–75.Retrieved 10/29/13 from Academic Search Complete Database

Foshay, W. R., Huett, J., Moller, L . (2008). The evolution of distance education: Implications For instructional Design on the Potential of the Web (Part 2: Higher education).

TechTrends, 52(4), 66-70. Retrieved 10/29/13 from Academic Search Complete Database