Defining Distance Learning

 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