Distance learning has been around for a long time and is steadily growing and changing. It is becoming a popular choice to further a person professional education, mid-career degree and lifelong learning of all kinds. It can be found in any sectors and in many countries. It began in Europe when instructions were given by correspondence study through audiotapes and lessons that were sent through the mail (Simson,Micheal, et. al, 2012).
Over the years, the meaning of distance learning has change. The key factor that has caused the meaning of distance learning to change over the years is technology. As technology change from using videotaped lectures that was used in most university to live video that can be seen over any medium has contributed to the changing of the meaning of distance learning. While distance learning is becoming a large sector of higher education institution, it is a way that colleges and universities sustain growth (Moller,L., et. al, 2008). Today, the internet and compressed video has help modify the meaning of distance learning. This allows distance learning to take place in real time. The meaning of distance learning can vary depending on one’s’ knowledge and profession. Learners have the ability to use any Web 2.0 technology to enhance their own knowledge in any content area.
Before I thought distance learning was learners using technology to further knowledge through the use of video lectures and other resources that can be obtain online. Learners would watch the instructional video or read from their course text material at their home. The instructional learning was self pace. Also, I thought distance learning could be used in educational institutions that were tradition and nontraditional settings.
However, I now have a deeper understanding of distance learning. I think distance learning is the practice of knowledge being transfer to learners from the instructor that is separated by time as well as distance using technology. The learner can study in their own time and pace. Distance learning can be done by utilizing computers, the internet and interactive videos. It provides learners with flexibility that gives them the consideration of their work and family commitments that they would not have it there were in a traditional institution (Simson, Micheal, et. al, 2012). I have realized how I have taken part in distance learning as an educator at my school. Within the last year, my school has been implementing common core standards and the new teacher evaluation system. I have participated in live webinars where I was able to ask questions or share comments.
In all, distance learning provides the opportunity to widen intellectual horizon as well as the chance to improve and update professional knowledge. As distance learning continues to evolve, it will provide more resources for students and the working population (Simson,Micheal, et. al, 39). The future of distance learning needs to change to have employees and students to compete on a global scale. All sectors will incorporate new media of higher technology as part of their course work. As many developing and developed countries use distance learning, it will become more culturally diverse that will be more integrated into education. The future for distance learning also provides factors such as competition that will lead organization to compete with educational institutions including K-12 schools.
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). Tech Trends. 52(4), 66-70.
Simson,Micheal, Smaldino, Sharon, Albright, Micheal, Zvacek,Susan. (2012). Chapter 2: Definitions, History, and Theories of Distance Education. In Teaching and Learning at a Distance: Foundation of Distance Education (5th ed., pp. 32-41). Boston: Pearson.
Over the years, the meaning of distance learning has change. The key factor that has caused the meaning of distance learning to change over the years is technology. As technology change from using videotaped lectures that was used in most university to live video that can be seen over any medium has contributed to the changing of the meaning of distance learning. While distance learning is becoming a large sector of higher education institution, it is a way that colleges and universities sustain growth (Moller,L., et. al, 2008). Today, the internet and compressed video has help modify the meaning of distance learning. This allows distance learning to take place in real time. The meaning of distance learning can vary depending on one’s’ knowledge and profession. Learners have the ability to use any Web 2.0 technology to enhance their own knowledge in any content area.
Before I thought distance learning was learners using technology to further knowledge through the use of video lectures and other resources that can be obtain online. Learners would watch the instructional video or read from their course text material at their home. The instructional learning was self pace. Also, I thought distance learning could be used in educational institutions that were tradition and nontraditional settings.
However, I now have a deeper understanding of distance learning. I think distance learning is the practice of knowledge being transfer to learners from the instructor that is separated by time as well as distance using technology. The learner can study in their own time and pace. Distance learning can be done by utilizing computers, the internet and interactive videos. It provides learners with flexibility that gives them the consideration of their work and family commitments that they would not have it there were in a traditional institution (Simson, Micheal, et. al, 2012). I have realized how I have taken part in distance learning as an educator at my school. Within the last year, my school has been implementing common core standards and the new teacher evaluation system. I have participated in live webinars where I was able to ask questions or share comments.
In all, distance learning provides the opportunity to widen intellectual horizon as well as the chance to improve and update professional knowledge. As distance learning continues to evolve, it will provide more resources for students and the working population (Simson,Micheal, et. al, 39). The future of distance learning needs to change to have employees and students to compete on a global scale. All sectors will incorporate new media of higher technology as part of their course work. As many developing and developed countries use distance learning, it will become more culturally diverse that will be more integrated into education. The future for distance learning also provides factors such as competition that will lead organization to compete with educational institutions including K-12 schools.
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). Tech Trends. 52(4), 66-70.
Simson,Micheal, Smaldino, Sharon, Albright, Micheal, Zvacek,Susan. (2012). Chapter 2: Definitions, History, and Theories of Distance Education. In Teaching and Learning at a Distance: Foundation of Distance Education (5th ed., pp. 32-41). Boston: Pearson.
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