Video Project Topic

I will be researching and developing my video on developing critical thinking skills.  Since I teach 8th grade, my focus will be on developing those skills in middle school students.

Developing Distance Education: Is it Needed? (Module 1)

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.

WELCOME!

Welcome to my first blogging experience.  This blog is intended to meet requirements for a class I am currently enrolled in, but will cover educational topics that are important and up-to-date.  I look forward to using this blog as a means of communicating and a means learning.