The Future of Distance Learning

                Distance learning is growing more and more acceptable in our society. Distance learning is not only for the working adults but it’s for everyone right down to k-12 education. Our society is rapidly moving toward distance education. Everything can be done online now from face-to-face conversations, banking, and shopping. It’s only right that education falls into place. Of course people will be a little skeptical about online learning. I was one of them. Distance learning will continue to win people over once people realize distance learning is equal to traditional learning.

                In 5-10 years, I believe people perceptions of distance learning will have changed for the better. The more technology continues to advance it will pave the way for distance learning to become better and better; in turn changing people perceptions of distance learning. Dr. Siemens, mentioned the several factors that causes acceptance of distance education to grow. The factor I feel that will change the perceptions of distance learning is the increase in online communication. Communication online is rapidly growing with things like Skype, messengers, and discussion board people are becoming more used to communicating online. Distance learning is driven by communication whether it be asynchronous or synchronous. The continuous improvement of online communication will be the factor behind changing people’s perception of distance learning. People need to know online communication is just as good as face-to-face communication.

                As an instructional designer I can improve societal perceptions of distance learning by constantly looking for ways to improve distance learning to meet the needs of all learners and advertise the benefits and awards of distance learning. Just like educators working in the traditional learning environment constantly are researching and looking for new ways to improve education for their learners, the same needs to be done for distance learning. Society need to know distance learning is always growing to meet the needs of all learners. Finally, advertising the positives of distance learning shows society what learners can gain from distance learning and it can provide a quality education for its learners.

                I will be a positive force for continuous improvement in distance education by using the latest technology to appeal to learners, collaborate with experts and other instructional designers, and most of all try to make the learner feel comfortable. Dr. Siemens, mentioned bridging the gap of comfort. Learners need to feel just as comfortable with distance learning as they do with traditional learning. Until learners are comfortable distance learning perception will not change.

                Distance learning will continue to grow and will be a norm just as traditional learning is. Eventually people will be less skeptical about distance learning. I believe that distance learning will never phase out or will replace traditional learning but, distance learning and traditional learning will work hand in hand complimenting each other and making education better.  

References

“The Future of Distance Education” Laureate Education, Inc.