Where is distance learning headed?

The Perception

  Several years ago there was a negative perception of distance learning.  More specifically, online

Image retrieved from http://post.edu/online-education

degree programs were not viewed as credible or prestigious as those earned from a traditional college (Haynie, 2013).  However, that perception has changed because we are now seeing many top-ranked schools offering online classes and degree programs (Haynie, 2013, Wall Street Journal, 2015).  Many more employers are accepting of online degrees and consider them equal to degrees earned from traditional schools.  That being the case, I think the perception of distance learning will remain the same. 

Maintaining the Perception

  In order for distance education to continue to be accepted and remain credible, instructional designers (ID) will have to continue to design effective and efficient courses.  As we have seen, the growth of distance learning has been shaped by advances in technology.  New innovations are always being developed so instructional designers will have to match new web tools with research to ensure those methods promote learner engagement, deeper learning, and critical thinking (Tracey and Richey, 2005).  For IDs, the most important aspect is that the objectives are met and that the design promotes the same learning outcomes as traditional classes.  The Equivalence theory plays a key role here for instructional designers in that, the goal is not to create identical learning experiences but equivalent ones where distance learners can achieve and experience the same outcomes (Simonson, Smaldino, & Zvacek, 2015).  As long as that goal is achieved, distance education will remain accepted.

Instructional Designer's Role

  Instructional designers have the primary responsibility for designing the instruction (Morrison, Ross, Kalman, & Kemp, 2013).  With that responsibility, it is critical that IDs continue to learn and be aware of new innovations and strategies.  I think a good way to accomplish this is to follow blogs that specialize in eLearning and distance education.  These blogs provide lots of information in terms of best practices, new tools, and new ideas that are impacting distance learning.  Instructional designers are the link between the subject matter expert and the distance learner.  By knowing the advantages and disadvantages of the available technology, IDs can continue to improve the field of distance education.

Final Word

  Will distance learning, replace the traditional schools and colleges?  Probably not, but it can give

Cartoon retrieved from Pinterest

learners from around the world the same learning opportunities and learning outcomes (Wall Street Journal, 2015).  The world is always changing and looking for ways to improve.  The field of distance education is no different.  Institutions and instructional designers continue to use their creativity to design challenging yet effective instruction.  If we look at the new generation of learners, they are accustomed to using devices and navigating through different operating systems.  We as educators and designers can use that to our advantage in providing media-rich learning environments that keep those learners engaged and focused.

References

Haynie, D. (2013). What Employers Really Think About Your Online Bachelor’s Degree. Daily News, Retrieved from http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/employers-online-degrees-article-1.1372092

Morrison, G.R., Ross, S. M., Kalman, H. K., & Kemp, J. E. (2013). Designing Effective Instruction (7^th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley & Sons.

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., & Zvacek, S. (2015). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (6^th ed.). Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing, Inc.

Tracey, Tracey, M., & Richey, R. (2005). The evolution of distance education. Distance Learning, 2(6), 17–21. Retrieved from http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=5&sid=b523bdba-6bf7-48a9-92ce-2fcb8247d48f%40sessionmgr107&hid=127

Wall Street Journal (Producer). (2015, April 27). The future of college: Digital and distance. [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.wsj.com/video/the-future-of-college-digital-and-distance/8F56D364-CEB6-4465-9AAF-E6FC9D9E535A.html