EDUC-8842:The Next Generation of Distance Education

S_Beall-Davis

EDUC-8842: The Next Generation

Distance education is defined as "institution-based, formal education where the learning group is separate, and where interactive telecommunications systems are used to connect learners, resources, and instructors" (Schlosser and Simonson, 2002). The term, interactive telecommunications systems, implies that instructors and learners use a variety of technological resources when teaching and learning at a distance.

Simonson focuses on providing equivalent learning. The equivalency theory is the framework between distinguishing between distance education and face-to-face (F2F) education. It’s base upon the premise that education when practiced at a distance should not be an exact mirror of education practiced in F2F environments. He uses geometry as an example. Although an object has the same area, they can be shaped differently (e.g., circle and a square). Distance and F2F education are different that regards. In distance education, students learn at different times, have different backgrounds, and dispersed geographically. They are not collocated, yet should experience the same learning outcomes and experiences.

According to Simonson (2000), ROI is possibly increased for both the students and the institutions that deploy the training through distance learning environments. More flexibility and accessibility is provided to students who have constraints such as family or work. The cost is also potentially decreased for distance learning students. Additionally, in respect to Simonson’s equivalency theory, instructors should provide learners with effective technology that accommodates the individual learners. I tend to agree with his concepts.

Moller, Huett, Foshay and Coleman prefer the craft approach. Their approach advocates teachers designing online courses based on previous experiences and techniques. Their approach somewhat contradicts Simonson’s equivalency theory, in that it promotes mirroring distance and F2F environments. In my opinion, Simonson’s theory is more applicable to the students who choose to learn through distance learning institutions in the digital age.

References

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.

Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the Web (Part 1: Training and Development). TechTrends, 52(3), 70–75.

Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the Web (Part 2: Higher Education). TechTrends, 52(4), 66–70.

Schlosser, L. A., & Simonson, M. (2002). "Distance education: Definition and glossary of terms." Bloomington, IN: Association for Educational Communications and Technology.

Simonson, M. (2000). Making decisions: The use of electronic technology in online classes. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 84, 29–34.







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