There is not only a need to evolve distance education to the next generation there is also the need to do so with sound professional design practice in place to do the leading(Moller, L.,et.al., 2009). In the three part article, Implications for Instructional Design on the Potential of the Web, I found many beneficial approaches of e-learning that I agree can not be implemented into the traditional classroom. Such abilities as personalization and individualize learning, global collaboration, authentic discussion and dialogue without inhibitions of the f2f, the ability to reach a much larger mass than campus based programs, and instant availability to class are benefits of e-learning capability(Moller,L.,et.al., 2009).
Increased enrollment predictions, competition, increased quality demands for training and instructions are prime examples of why colleges and universities are evolving to new web based environments. This innovation that is very new to some of us is about to take off. Students, staff, and faculty will have to take initiatives to move forward with the technology based instruction of e-learning(Moller, L.,et.al., 2009).
There are unlimited possibilities by using the internet and distance learning but it is necessary to implement the training for both users and facilitators and a need for proven research. The f2f medium can not be the same material implemented over the internet. Many feel e-learning is just an outlet for those who can’t handle the traditional classroom environment. Society wants a quick fix which modality of educating is the best, and the public and our policy makers are expecting a quick fix(Moller, L.,et.al., 2009).
Distance education is becoming a widely popular infrastructure that is expected and respected. Even with e-learning skepticism, the patterns from the past are evidence that growth will continue(Simonson, 2009).
Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008, May/June). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the Web (Part 1: Training and Development). TechTrends, 52(3), 70–75. Use the Academic Search Premier database, and search using the article's title.
Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008, July/August). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the Web (Part 2: Higher Education). TechTrends, 52(4), 66–70. Use the Academic Search Premier database, and search using the article's title.
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). TechTrends, 52(5), 63–67.Use the Academic Search Premier database, and search using the article's title.
Simonson, M. (2000). Making decisions: The use of electronic technology in online classes. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 84, 29–34. Use the Academic Search Premier database, and search using the article's title.
About Me
- Beth Ethridge
- Hi! In the photo...I'm the one playing piggy back. The 'piggy' is one of my dear students on the last day of school! We do have fun!!
I agree distance education has great potential. Just thinking about my own situation, pursuing a doctoral degree would be incredibly difficult without online learning. I live in a rural part of northwestern Connecticut. The closest university offering a doctoral program in my filed of interest is a two hour drive away. Pursuing a doctoral degree at a brick and mortar school would also require a fulltime commitment. That aside, distance education has been a very efficient method of study for me.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that for DE to move forward with quality requires competent professionals establishing best practices for the field. The craft approach (Moller, Foshay, & Huett, 2008) of cutting and pasting traditional classes to an online format does a great disservice and likely will turn away newcomers.
The faceless, though not truly anonymous, nature of online communications evens the playing field in very interesting ways. I find that it also brings many more students into a discussion than time allows for in a F2F environment.
But it does lack things that I truly enjoyed from my undergraduate and graduate days. Taking an advisor out for lunch to discuss whatever, getting to know the other students in my discipline and their families are facets of traditional brick and mortar schools that distance education will always struggle to provide. But it provides so much flexibility and an incredibly (potentially) varied ‘classroom’ experience, neither of which can be supported by a traditional education.
Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (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.
Hi Beth,
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you that distance education still needs to evolve. From my experiences, online education was merely watching a video, discussing the topic, and then writing a paper that relates to the idea, but rarely were we expected to apply our knowledge or collaborate with cohorts. I like Moller, Foshay, Huett’s idea (2008) that new methods for holding teachers and students accountable to high standards in online learning classrooms otherwise mediocrity becomes the norm. Besides this program, have you participated in other online programs?
Krista
Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web (Part 1: Higher Education). TechTrends, 52(3), 70-75.
Beth,
ReplyDeletePlease forgive my typing error, I am having a difficult time with this brace on my arm.
What I meant to say was that I agree that higher standards is a must otherwise we settle for mediocrity.
Once again sorry for the typo.
Hey Krista,
ReplyDeleteNo problem. What did you do to your arm? This is my second semester in online learning. I'm not very good at it yet...it's alot of work, but I'm adapting slowly. haha You??
Beth