Elements of Distance Education Diffusion

Collaborative interaction is the most essential element associated with distance education.  George Siemens (2008) is accurate in his depiction of the growing acceptance of distance education in today’s corporate and educational spheres.  Collaboration requires two or more students to work as a team and take on specific roles towards an objective.  Kanuka examines the contrasting views of opponents and proponents of E-learning and highlights the importance of philosophies on learning (Kanuka, 2008). Collaborative interaction builds on constructivist thinking and principles of connectivity.

The element of collaborative interaction has evolved with the growth of Web 2.0 technologies.  According to George Siemens, global diversity and communication are also elements of distance education that are creating more effective learning experiences (Siemens, 2008).  These elements are important because distance learning brings together diverse populations and allows them to communicate towards collaboration.  Dr. Michael Simonson explores the possible advantages of distance education as compared to face-to-face education and suggests hybrid or blended models as ideal (Simonson, 2000).  In both F2F and online education increasing engagement by student interaction has a large impact on learning.

Today, online tools are available to help facilitate interactions among learners.  RSS feeds, Blogging, and Social networking are examples of web content used to engage learners.  Web 2.0 websites allow users to both retrieve information and share through exciting user interface.  Parker explores the importance of instructional designers taking advantage of the various technological tools available on the Internet for engaging learners (Parker, 2008).  Advances in technology provide unique opportunities for teachers and students when applied appropriately to the learning experience.

The Next Generation of Distance Education

The Next Generation of Distance Education

Educational technology is the foundation for the next generation of distance education

 

After reading the three articles by Moller, Huett, Foshay and Coleman, and listening to the Simonson video programs I'm excited about the Next Generation of Distance Education.  Comparing and contrasting the view points of theses scholars will convince you of the need for change in the field of distance education.  Dr. Michael Simonson (2008) is of the mind that distance education can benefit not just the learner, but also the institution.  Educators in K12 and higher education are realizing the value of distance learning in our interconnected societies and within our global economy, and virtual schools are quickly becoming more prevalent around the world. 

Educational technology provides unique opportunities for differentiating instruction, individualizing educational plans, and increasing student engagement.  Distance education has a strong history of providing a unique learning experience for students in varied environments.  Huett, Moller, Foshay, & Coleman (2008) explain the many benefits of distance education as a means of supporting the evolution of such instruction.Online courses should include properly designed learning experiences that engage learners with the instructor, with other learners, and with the content to promote high authenticity, high interactivity, and high collaboration.

The future of distance education will require further reliance on technological advances.  Distance education may become the great equalizer, freeing learners from the boundaries of geography and broadening their opportunities, no matter where they live and work.  earners may have increased motivation to learn and may sustain educational gains by enhanced access logistics such as not having to drive to campus (Laureate, 2008a).  In the digital age, students gain knowledge and skills by using Web 2.0 technologies, interactive platforms, and virtual worlds.  I agree with Moller, Huett, Foshay and Coleman, and Simonson because "distance" is no longer an obstacle in a global world.

References: 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.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2008a). Equivalency Theory. Baltimore, MD: Author.

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.