Defining Distance Learning
Why do you feel the definition of distance
learning is always changing and what factors drive that change? Do you think
these changes are based on a person’s profession or by how much technical
knowledge he/she has?
The definition of distant learning is constantly
changing which can be due to many reasons. One being is the increase in innovative
technology. As technology continues to thrive, new and improved ways for
learning can happen. This forces both students and teachers to learn new
technology software and applications to keep up with such innovative changes. The
coronavirus school closures influenced the role and use of technology in K-12
education. More than eight in 10 teachers believed that their ability to use
the technology improved, and that this made them better, more innovative
educators (Kansas University, 2021). Another reason that distance learning may
constantly change can be due to the continuous developments in research on
teaching and learning approaches to accommodate a culturally and linguistically
diverse society. The changes of distance learning are not driven by a person’s
profession or technical knowledge but the growing technology advancements and
various learning styles.
Your personal definition and observations of
distance learning before starting this course. Consider what you learned about
distance learning this week and how this learning has influenced your personal
definition.
Distance learning is the idea of learning through
various technologies without being physically present in a classroom with both
teachers and students. During my undergraduate years, I completed a traditional
brick and mortar program where I earned a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood
Education. Although there were a few online courses that I completed, distance
learning was not as popular as it is today. Distance education has become a common
way of learning across all grades and ages especially because of the most
recent pandemic which forced many to resort to this form of education. Distance
learning has always been my preferred method of education. Being a single mom
with many obligations and responsibilities, online learning has always been my preferred
method. My undergraduate program was difficult for me to complete due to the
lack of flexibility and school-life balance. However, once I started my master’s
program at Walden, I developed more of an appreciation for distance learning as
I can now achieve both my personal and academic goals while still maintaining other
obligations.
My Revised Definition of Distance Learning
Distance education is referred to as ‘virtual
schooling’ and learning through virtual schooling is one of the fastest growing
areas for K-12 schools. This form of schooling can be presented in two formats:
site-based (part of traditional brick and mortar school) and non-site based. Virtual
schooling (non-site based) is common in high schools and beyond and offers more
of an online approach. Students may take courses from home or in monitored computer
labs supervised by teachers or facilitators. However, Huett et al. (2008)
states that site-based virtual schooling is an alternative schooling option for
students that fail to make adequate yearly progress and those who are unwilling
and unable to function in the traditional classroom environment. This form of virtual
learning allows students to have a more interactive and one-on-one experience with
teachers in addition to having all the tools for success in one setting and the
opportunity to learn at their own pace. Prior to learning about distant learning
from this aspect, I assumed that distant learning was a form of online learning
that took place in an environment suitable to the learner. However, Huett et
al. helped me to understand that distant learning can be presented in various forms
aside from the typical online course-based format.
The Future of Distance Learning
Campus-based and face-to-face educational practice is
increasingly becoming unsustainable. There are many more routes for accessing
educational content today and many don’t require attendance in a lecture or on
campus (Naidu, 2014). With this being so, distance education is a progressive
educational movement that may be here to stay. The threat of future pandemics
and economic disturbances raises the need for distance education; to prepare
for the next global health emergency and to bridge the socioeconomic
educational gap. It is important that education professionals continue to implement
ways to improve access to online learning where both students and teachers are
prepared to academically succeed.
Reference
Huett, J., Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Coleman, C.
(2008). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional
design on the potential of the web (Part 3: K12). TechTrends, 52(5), 63-67.
Kansas University. (2021, August 26). The evolution
of distance education in 2020. Retrieved from https://educationonline.ku.edu/community/distance-education-evolution-in-2020.
Naidu, S. (2014). Looking back, looking forward: the invention and reinvention of distance education. Distance Education, 35(3), 263–270. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1080/01587919.2014.961671
