It must be noted that Huett, Moller, Foshay, and Coleman
(2008) hit the nail on the head when they mentioned that our modern-day society
loves an overly simple solution to a very complex and daunting problem. After reading their article, I would not put
the development of distance education in the category of overly simple solution.
However, it is important to note that distance education is,
nonetheless, a solution to a multi-faceted problem.
It seems that
education and technology are progressing at rapid rates, and distance learning
is a by-product of their intersection.
The convergence of these two forces, coupled with capitalism and ease of
access has made distance learning the trend in education. Based on the assertions of Huett, Moller, Foshay,
and Coleman (2008) and Simonson (Laureate, 2008) there is a growing need to
develop distance education. According to
both sets of authors the need arises because of the demand being put on
distance education; both in education and the corporate world.
Huett, Moller, Foshay, and Coleman (2008), Simonson (Laureate,
2008), and Ruth and Shi (2001) all see distance education as a means to reach
those that traditional universities may have never been able to reach. This
even includes proving for opportunities for students in the K-12 sector as
well. The demand for education is
growing around the world and is at an all-time high. While some see this as an educational
opportunity, distance education to some is an opportunity to make money and
grow their enrollment numbers.
Previously I mentioned that distance learning was a
solution, but not an overly simple solution.
I must clarify that all of the authors mentioned have made it very clear
that distance education is not simple in its design or delivery. In fact, Simonson (Laureate, 2008) contends
that traditional education and distance learning have the same inherent goal,
but meet that goal in vastly different manners.
He also warns that taking learning experiences from a traditional
classroom and posting them in an online, distance format (the craft approach)
can have the opposite effect on learners. This is something that Huett, Moller,
Foshay, and Coleman (2008) support, going so far to say that traditional
methods are questionable as they are, and simply re-posting them in a different
format would be insane, and a waste.
I consider myself to be somewhat up to date on the latest
technology trends, of course the ones that apply directly to my life, and I can
recognize the need for distance education.
I say all of that to say, that I agree that distance education is a form
of education that needs to be fostered to meet a growing demand. Whether the intent is education or profit,
there is a means by which problems can be solved, and yet it is not overly simple, it is a solution.
Resources:
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. (Producer). 2008a. Distance
education: The next generation. [Video webset]. Retrieved from
https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_2643771_1%26url%3D
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.
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.
Ruth, S. & Shi, M. (2001). Distance learning in developing countries: Is anyone measuring
cost-benefits? Retrieved from http://policy-icasit.gmu.edu/projects/distance%20learning%20in%20developing%20countries.pdf
March11, 2013.
That's interesting that you say that. I have always thought that I would see corporate schools before I retired. I have been teaching for 8 years and I fully believe that in the next 22 years there will be schools that capitalistic and independent of the jurisdiction of any educational governing body. If, and when, it starts it will start in those areas that you mentions first. I think it will also begin as a distance education program and then turn into physical properties that house larger groups of students.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the compliment. I have never written a blog before, and as I was writing I was thinking that it sounded more like a paper for an assignment than a blog.
I enjoyed your comment on distance education being a bi-product of the intersection of education and technology. Technology creates a vast amount of opportunities for lesson delivery, all from the comfort of one's own home. Since distance education is not new, what do you think attracted people to distance education in the mid-1800s? Could they have had such thought-provoking exchanges with other classmates/instructors without the use of technology?
ReplyDeleteI agree that distance education has proven to be a real opportunity for financial growth for some schools focused on the almighty dollar, but with the aid of technology, many people are trying to create opportunities for free access to education across the globe, like Khan Academy, for instance. There are also many schools that make their class material available online, which means that someone could potentially complete a degree (or part of a degree) program online, without ever enrolling in school. Do you think this will have any effect of future rates of degree completion?
Hi John:
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on a very well articulated blog. My First reaction after just reading the title was Yes, we do need Distance Education.
Please allow me to take a step back to better digest the first sentence of your post. "..our modern-day society loves an overly simple solution to a very complex and daunting problem". How about a society sick with the fast food mentality? That first sentence by itself can stand tall in introducing many of our societal ills, from crime, obesity, to cardiovascular diseases.
Now, a U-Turn to Distance Learning. It seems to me that Huett, Moller, and Foshay, and Huett, Moller, Foshay, and Coleman (2008) were primarily deploring the lamentable state of Distance Leaning platforms as a result of the near absence of standards and sound ID (Instructional Design) principles.
I am glad you responded positively to the question. Yes, we do need Distance Education.