Defining Distance Learning

The computer evolution came to fruition when I was in high school and I can still remember taking my first computer class.  After graduating and starting business school, I remember being very intrigued by computers and what they had to offer for the future of business.  Never would I have imagined the force they would prove to be in today’s technological world but I am so glad that they peaked my interest at an early age!

Even though distance learning has apparently been around for ages, it did not become an enormous success until the last ten years or so.  I do recall seeing distance learning classes such as studying from home via mail programs years ago, but current-day distance learning has become so much more.  For me, I truly believe it will become common-place going forward and we will see many more ways in which distance learning will enhance all ages of education.

Before starting this course, my definition of distance learning would be exactly what I consider distance learning to be – completing my education from a distance.  I have completed my entire higher education through distance learning via the internet and plan to use this type of learning to help others learn from a distance going forward. 

While I understand there have been different types of distance learning available for many years, the current evolution of distance learning appears to be taking off way better than prior attempts.  “Edwards uses the term open learning to describe a new way of looking at education in a quickly changing and diverse world” (Simonson) and I couldn’t agree more.  One of the reasons I believe this is true is due to the technological advances we have seen in the past twenty years, particularly in the last five to ten years.  Modern day technology makes it incredibly easy to do and learn practically anything from a distance, and I believe these advances will only increase.  As we see technology continue to grow, distance learning will likely grow right along with it and we may see increases in distance learning from elementary school on.  I think the only draw-back from this is that children will have a harder time adapting their social skills, but I do think it is a very likely possibility for future generations.

For people who do not like technology or who do not wish to familiarize themselves with technology, there could be many challenges in the future; however, children are growing up today with computers and do not realize there was a time when computers were not a daily staple in their households.  The future generations will become increasingly more adaptable to technology and this will allow for may more advances in technology for education and career choices.

My future vision for distance learning is that more people warm up to the idea and begin to realize that an education is an education is an education.  Being in a face-to-face environment does not necessarily give you a better education; in fact, many could argue that being able to successfully complete a program through distance learning means that you are more independent and smarter because you did not have as much guidance.  Distance learning is exactly what it implies – learning from a distance, with or without extra guidance.

References:

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2012). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (5th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.