Introduction
Distance education has been changing throughout the time according to the way society communicate their needs and wants. Dr. Simonson stated that distance learning has been around for many years (Simonson, 2012). Distance learning time continuum show us how distance learning started since the 1830s when European newspapers offered courses through mail correspondence. In 1996 Learning management systems become the mainstream distance learning environments. Many learning portals emerge. By 2006, Blackboard, Inc. affirmed the uniqueness of its course delivery system. Now my final project is reflect about the what will be the perceptions of distance learning in the future, and what can I do to promote and improve distance learning.
What do you think the perceptions of distance learning will be in the future (in 5–10 years; 10–20 years)?
As Dr. Simonson (2012) points out, "distance education is going to increase dramatically in the next few years, in the next few decades." In the next 5-10 years, I believe distance learning will continue to increase with the innovation of technology and the new web tools. Early childhood programs are increasing the use of technology exposing young children to technology. I had been working in the field of early childhood education, and this year at the national conferences for Head Start programs region V, I could find new technological programs for young children promoting literacy, math and science. These days you can hear a lot the word Net Generation, this generation has been using technology from their early years, and the parents are observing all the new features and benefits that this innovative technology is bringing to their children and themselves. Dr. Siemens (2010) stated that distance education is growing acceptance in society because every day we have experiences communicating online. Considering my own experience with technology, and the responses from some friends, colleagues, family, and instructors, I believe that we are going to accept more the idea of distance learning while internet providers are improving their services with fast speed internet in more areas.In the next 10-20 years, I believed that distance education will have more acceptance at all levels in education. Dr. Simonson stated that distance learning will grow significantly, but will not replace traditional schools. He also points out that distance learning will be included into most learning environments. On these days, we can find the term E-learning or online learning in reference to distance learning, with all the innovations of technology it is more likely that the term will change, but not the objectives of distance learning. Technology is improving its features making it more fast and with better quality. To conclude my vision of distance learning in the next 10-20 years, I think that Dr. Simonson (2012) says it better with his statement "as communication technologies improve in quality we are going to start to see the educational model around it ramp up significantly."
How can you as an instructional designer be a proponent for improving societal perceptions of distance learning?
One way to promote perceptions of distance learning is speaking out my experiences as a distance learning, and to be professional in my work putting high the name of instructional designers. A way to do that is using the preplanning and planning strategies before I start designing and developing programs and courses for corporations or schools. I need to follow the principles of instructional design systems. Dr. Piskurich (2012) states that instructional designers should develop good lesson plans for the instructors. The lessons should include activities that cover the learning objectives. Then train my facilitators on the software that they and their students will be using. Another way to promote distance learning is designing instruction that include the precise mix of media and content to meet learning objectives and goals. According to Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S., the key to success in an online classroom is not which technologies are used, but how they are used and what information is communicated using the technologies (p. 115, 2012).
How will you be a positive force for continuous improvement in the field of distance education?
I will try new ideas as well as find out ways to access my new learners by means of technology. It is important that as an instructional designer, I need to know the basic principles of instructional design. If I follow those principles, then I can help to ensure that what is produced serves a necessary purpose, meet the needs of students, is attractive and well organized. I need to make sure that the material is delivered in an appropriate mode, and that is continually evaluated and enhanced (Morrison, Ross, Kalman, & Kemp, 2011). Every year we have more needs and new technologies in the area of instruction, for instance, it is necessary to keep myself updated with all innovations and to do some research before designing instructional programs.
References
Simonson, M. (2012) “Distance Education: The Next Generation” Laureate Education, Inc.
Siemens, .G, "The Future of Distance Education" [video format] Retrieved from Lecture Notes Online Web site: http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5089759&Survey=1&47=7136420&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=1&bhcp=1
Morrison, G., Ross, S., Kalman, H., & Kemp, J. (2011). Designing effective instruction. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Laureate Education, Inc. (2012). "Distance Learning Timeline Continuum" This multimedia, interactive timeline chronicles the evolution of distance learning from 1833–2009 [Video transcript]
Lauretate Education, Inc. (Producer). (n.d.) Facilitating Online Learning [Video webcast]. Retrieved from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=6493363&Survey=1&47=8910814&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=1&bhcp=1
