My Reflection on Distance Learning

Distance Learning has been the most challenging course I have taken thus far at Walden University. I now know that there is so much more to a distance learning experience than I ever imagined. Because of the many requirements in the course and the additional expectations of Dr. Paige I have learned a plethora of information that will be beneficial to me and the learners I will come into contact with in the future. From the onset of this course I have learned that although there are some disadvantages to online learning there are also definite advantages for students and institutions. Creating a learning community (Palloff & Pratt, 2007) as an instructor and learning the backgrounds of students is critical for a successful distance learning experience (Simonson, et al., 2012).

Throughout this course distance education has been defined in so many different ways. One definition is a formal education that is institution-based where the learner and instructor are separated and interactive telecommunications are used to connect the two (Simonson, et al., 2012). In addition, Hilary Perraton (1988) defined distance education as an educational process in which a significant proportion of the teaching is conducted by someone removed in space and/or time from the learner. In distance education the role of the instructor reverses from presenter to facilitator and the learner assumes the responsibility for their knowledge intake (Simonson, et al., 2012). Also the attributes of a successful distance learner have many characteristics. A person with an increased commitment to learning, a self-starter and highly motivated will be a good candidate for distance learning (Simonson, et al., 2012).

As for the perception of distance learning it will continue to have an impact on education in the years to come (Schmidt & Gallegos, 2001). Distance learning/education is not for everyone (Schmidt & Gallegos, 2001) but I do believe anyone can adapt to and be successful in this type of learning environment. Dr. George Siemens stated that distance education acceptance is fueled by an increase in online communication, practical experience with new tools, a growing sense of comfort and the ability to communicate globally (Laureate Education, 2010). The key ingredient will be to make sure learners have everything they need to be successful and they feel the instructor cares about their success. Whatever technologies are required the appropriate tutorials and assistance is needed for learners to be successful and enjoy their experience in an online education. For those who are skeptical about an online degree program they may try what Schlosser and Burmeister (1999) believed in, the “best of both worlds”, where courses would have some face-to-face instruction and distance delivered content. I think with some type of support system anyone can be successful and have an experience in distance learning that will be memorable.

As an instructional designer I can be an advocate for improving societal perceptions of distance learning by promoting and sharing my wonderful experiences with online learning. I can also inform others of the many advantages of participating in an online degree program. The flexibility of studying when it is convenient, the ease of working from home, while on vacation (if desired) or anywhere and the benefit of still being able to collaborate with my classmates and instructor through various techniques are a plus.

I will be a positive force for continuous improvements in the field of distance educations by following some simple steps to help new online learners as well as veterans remain engaged and motivated. Implementing new interactive technologies and innovative ways to learn will keep my learners engaged and looking forward to the next task. Providing the roles of the learner and me as the instructor will assist learners in knowing exactly what is expected of them and what they should expect from me. I will also need to make sure that legal issues are addressed in my deliverance of content by giving credit for photos, videos and content that I will use in my delivery of instruction. My goal would be to make sure the learners I come into contact with are not in the group of learners who leave a distance learning environment with debt and no credentials (Tilsley, 2012).


References

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2010). The future of distance education. [DVD]. Baltimore, MD.

Schmidt, E., & Gallegos, A. (2001). Distance learning: Issues and concerns of distance
learners. Journal of Industrial Technology, 17(3). Retrieved from
http://atmae.org/jit/Articles/schmidt041801.pdf

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2012). Teaching and Learning
at a Distance: Foundations of Distance Education (5th Ed.) Boston, MA:
Pearson

Tilsley, A. (October 23, 2012). Foundation and four-year college team up on online
associate degree program. Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved from
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2012/10/23/foundation-and-four-year-
college-team-online-associate-degree-program




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