The biggest reason that distance education needs to evolve to the next generation is a higher demanding learner base. Moller, Foshay, and Huett (2008) found that there is an increasing need for training and teaching in distance education. Employers have found that as employees are located in various parts of the world, conducting online training is essential. In addition, the authors found that both K-12 and higher education has faced increasing demands for online courses and instruction.
Whether the learner is located in a business or school environment, all of the authors recommend a change in instruction. Taking traditional seated classroom instruction material is not effective for online instruction. In addition, online instructors need training in instructional design for e-learning. Huett, Moller, Foshay, and Coleman, (2008) wrote “It is incumbent upon all professionals with a commitment to the potential of technology in education and training, no matter what their theoretical or ideological bent, to think outside the box, to collaborate and to advance the common vision” (p. 66).
I agree that distance education cannot be delivered as the traditional “craft approach” (Moller, Foshay, Huett, 2008, p. 67). Instructors can take their traditional ideas and deliver them in a way that reaches students who have a variety of learning styles. I also feel as if instructors should take a training course in distance education before they teach an online course. With consideration of various learning styles and needs, distance education can be a positive experience for instructors and students.
Huett, J., Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Coleman, C. (2008). The Evolution of Distance Education: Implications for Instructional Design on the Potential of the Web. TechTrends: Linking Research & Practice to Improve Learning, 52(5), 63-67. doi:10.1007/s11528-008-0199-9.
Moller, L., Forshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008). The Evolution of Distance Education: Implications for Instructional Design on the Potential of the Web. TechTrends: Linking Research & Practice to Improve Learning, 52(3), 70-75. doi:10.1007/s11528-008-0158-5.
Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008). The Evolution of Distance Education: Implications for Instructional Design on the Potential of the Web. TechTrends: Linking Research & Practice to Improve Learning, 52(4), 66-70. doi:10.1007/s11528-008-0179-0.
I definitely feel that there is a need for training and teaching in distant learning. Education is moving at a rapid pace and demonstrates a need for a higher demand in online instruction. Online learning or distant learning has found its place in just about all educational settings.The majority of higher educational courses are taken online which shows a need for evolution in distant education. With the amount of people in higher education who are engaged in online learning, it will definitely begin to expand in the k-12 learning evironments.
ReplyDeleteI think that blended learning is an excellent way to connect informal and formal learning environments. Best practices in distance education can many times be used in a face to face environment. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post, because it made me think a little deeper when I read the first line. I don't know if I believe distance education creates a higher demanding learning base. I think it is definitely a different base of learning, but I feel like the benefit for employers may be more from the self motivation that is learned from distance education.
ReplyDelete