The resources defined distance learning as “institution-based, formal education where the learning group is separated, and where interactive telecommunications systems are used to connect learners, resources, and instructors” (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, & Zvacek 2009). With that in mind, my revised definition has become more specific to explain distance learning as an educational tool used by learners who are separated by distance, time, etc. and are able to connect via the internet with their course content, other students, instructors, and resources. The meaning and use of distance learning has changed over the years and continues to change.
We can ask ourselves why the definition of distance learning is always changing and what factors drive the change. Well, like all education, it evolves through time with the more technology that becomes available to us. “Distance education has experienced growth and change recently, but the long traditions of the field continues to give it direction for the future” (Simonson, et al 2009). As our economy changes and people are looking to save more money, it is a cost-effective decision to incorporate distance learning into education, the corporate world, etc. The target audience for distance education began with adult learners who were working full time jobs and too busy to attend learning done in a classroom (Simonson). It has continued to be a part of the adult learner’s education, but it has expanded to schools for a younger audience.
So, are these changes based on a person’s profession or by how much technical knowledge he/she has? Good question and for me, they go hand in hand. For instance, if I am a Technical Trainer for a corporation, then my knowledge is going to be built based on my career and the opportunities I am provided. If someone goes to school to be a teacher, then their knowledge is mainly going to surround the teaching environment. So the answer, in my opinion, is that the changes are based on both someone’s profession and their technical knowledge. The profession can be the determination of their technical knowledge and vice versa.
According to the authors of “Teaching and Learning at a Distance”, distance learning has evolved over time due to the changes in education, technology, and people. They break it up into three categories, correspondence study, electronic communications, and distance teaching universities and it’s explained that ”the roots of distance education are at least 160 years old” (36). Universities have incorporated correspondence and electronic communication since the 1800’s. It has changed over time in the details, but the root of distance education is the same – to create education in an environment where it welcomes all on their time.
Keeping these roots as the basis for distance education and the main goal in mind, the future for distance education is endless. Our technology advances so quickly these days that it allows distance education to grow at a tremendous pace. It has been used in universities for years, has migrated into younger education, and today is being used across many corporate businesses (Simonson, et. al. 2009). I see distance education as being the future for college courses and opening a new door for many corporate businesses. I can see it saving many companies money by not having to rent space or pay facilitators to travel resulting in a more reliable company. It also helps the learners by being able to reach more at a time and they can access it on their own time allowing more freedom in their education.
As an Instructional Designer, I am starting to work in the distance educational world and I am quite excited for all it offers now and all it is going to offer in the future.
Resources
Simonson, M. (n.d.). Distance Education: The Next Generation. Laureate Education, Inc. Retrieved September 8, 2010, from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=4442081&Survey=1&47=6260654&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=1&bhcp=1
Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek S. (2009). Teaching and Learning at a Distance: Foundations of Distance Education (4th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.
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