The Future of Distance Learning
Distance
learning has revolutionized the education landscape, shifting the focus towards
online learning and diminishing the allure of brick-and-mortar institutions.
The once formidable barriers to international studies are now receding. The
proliferation of virtual schools and colleges offers a glimpse into a potential
future educational model (Simonson et al., 2019, p. 119). Technology has
significantly reshaped the world of education and distance learning. This paper
delves into the future of distance learning and the opportunities to enhance it.
The Future of Distance Learning
As we think
about distance learning, we look towards the next 5-10 years and10-20 years. Dr
George Siemen shares his perception of the future of distance education; he
shares some common areas expressed within my circle. Contributing factors for
this growth are technology advancement and exposure, familiarity with distance
education, communication interaction as people realize they do not have to be
in the same space to communicate, corporate education, more multimedia games,
simulations, videos, and more education collaboration (Walden nd). Simonson et
al. (2019) share how more schools are mandated to offer virtual learning across
states in America. This is also extended worldwide because Jamaica has taken
similar concepts of being managed by the government to offer virtual learning. Naidu
(2014) describes a vital principle of the success of distance education as we bridge
the gap between the teacher and the learner. Distance education has broken down
these four walls, and as we look to the future, just as Dr. Siemen says, the
learner's comfort means a lot. Educational institutions, with their
adaptability and resilience, are designing courses where the learners are comfortable
with each other. Dr. Siemen also mentioned the triple helix model. Distance learning
will grow from the collaborative efforts of businesses, universities, and the government.
This means more educational institutions will offer distance learning; it is just
a matter of where learners are more comfortable pursuing their studies. I am
looking out for an increase in educational institutions collaborating as they share
expertise in fulfilling their goals. Designing an efficient and effective
distance learning course is critical to the education system.
The Change
Given my expertise as an
instructional designer, I am empowered to educate others about the
opportunities of distance learning through sound design principles. Wang &
Torrisi‐Steele (2015) speaks about the influence of the critical theory perspective
in driving change in the education circles of the perception of distance
learning. I have designed a ‘best practices’ instructor's guide to suit educators
new to distance learning or seeking to improve their strategies. The manual
will apprise the reader of the roles of the educator as they facilitate and design
distance learning programs to achieve learner satisfaction. Through
consultations, I am confident that the practices will improve amongst my
colleagues. I also stand as a consultant who provides insights to educators. I
must also put these principles into practice; I will contribute to my
organization by applying these principles as I continue to design and lead
instructors to facilitate distance learning in the courses offered at my educational
institution. We must contribute to the changing world of distance education
through good practices and shared ideas.
Modeling Good Distance Education Facilitation
My goal is to be
a positive force for continuous improvement in distance education. I will
achieve this through good leadership skills and practicing good facilitation methods.
This will contribute to a positive learner experience. Wang &
Torrisi‐Steele (2015) shares ideas of using experience to design tasks in
online learning. The authors explain that experienced educators must use their experience
to design meaningful tasks. The authors continue to share that instructors use effectively
organized online learning courses to help students attain learning objectives. Being
selective of the learning platform, understanding the audience, the role of the
student and the teacher, and the components that lead to an effectively
organized course are vital to students' success in attaining learning
objectives online. Being taught these principles and applying them will
influence others to practice good skills as the educational goals are realized
and become attractive to others. In closing, advanced technology strongly
influences education; educators must be prepared and collaborate on this journey.
Naidu, S. (2014).
Looking back, looking forward: the invention and reinvention of distance
education.
Distance Education, 35(3), 263-270.
Simonson, M.,
Zvacek, S., & Smaldino, S. (2019). Teaching and learning at a distance:
Foundations of
distance education (7th ed.) Information Age Publishing.
Walden Canvas.
(n.d.-a).
Wang, V. C., &
Torrisi‐Steele, G. (2015). Online Teaching, Change, and Critical Theory.
New Horizons in
Adult Education and Human Resource Development, 27(3), 18-26.
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