Defining Distance Learning
From the Distance Learning Training Continuum 1833-2000 and also from my readings and video, I have observed and feel that the definition of distance learning is always changing. Dr Simonson in his video stated that distance education is synonymous with virtual education, e-learning, distance learning, distance teaching and even distance education.
The definition of distance learning is always changing because of the technological changes that have been made since the 19th century. This basically is what has driven the change. I have noted that different forms of distance learning have occurred since that time to currently. For instance there were correspondence courses by mail, telegraphy, cable network, video tapes, video, USENET and more recently thinks like Web 2 technology and so on.
My personal definition and observations of distance learning before starting this course would have been like students studying abroad. However, my personal observation in my earlier time would have been like doing a correspondence course through the mail. I did a course like this when I was trying to pass an exam we had to take overseas. More recently however, my definition of distance learning would have been more like an online course.
My revised definition of distance learning is that it is institutionally based following either a traditionally or non- traditionally educational school or college Here asynchronous and synchronous communications are being used to impart learning and “connect learners, resources, and instructiors together. It is definitely not students studying abroad.
My vision for the future of distance learning as it continues on a path of evolution and change is that as technology increases, more definitions of learning will come to play but I think that we are on the right track to use distance education in all universities and also even in our k-12 schools. Even though there is hesitation to use distance learning for those students in k-2 classes, studies have shown that in both higher education and k-12 environments that there is no difference between learners learning better between distance education studies and in higher education and k-12 students. These and other concerns and benefits seem to be "nearing its end". Distance learning especially with technology on the increase and students being so technology literate, distance learning is increasing and has a high potential rate of increasing in the future.
References
Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2009). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (4th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.
Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008). 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..
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.
Huett, J., Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Coleman, C. (2008). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web (Part 3: K12). TechTrends, 52(5), 63–67..