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| Photo By Ed Yourdon |
Distance Learning and the Future
Siemens (2010) believes distance
education is likely to gain greater acceptance in the near future. He believes that
as people grow more comfortable with the technology associated with distance
learning, e.g., group video interactions and using social media, they will
accept that distance education is a manageable endeavor for them. Dobbs, Waid
and del Carmen (2009) state that the number of persons enrolling in online
courses is growing at a rapid rate especially at the graduate level. I
therefore believe that because of the seemingly ubiquitous presence of online
learning in higher education, more and more distance learning graduates will
emerge thereby forming a huge and influential distance learning alumni group whose
contributions will speak for itself.
About ten years ago when I returned to
my native (developing) country and brought a notebook computer to work, I got
the impression that I was seen as being eccentric. Today, attending the average
meeting many persons come equipped with their laptops or tablets as a matter of
course. How times have changed. Siemens (2010) speaks about interactive
multimedia games and virtual worlds becoming common landmarks in the geography
of distance learning. Being a Star Trek
fan I recall an episode from The Next Generation series, Galaxy’s Child, in
which the engineer’s character interacts with a “holo-deck” (a virtual reality
simulation device that projects realistic holographic images) version of a
colleague. He had previously virtually collaborated with the simulated
colleague to solve an engineering problem, only to find that the real life
version had significant differences. At the rate at which technology is moving,
today’s science fiction may well become tomorrow’s science fact. Will we
overcome some of what some perceive to be a negative aspect of distance learning,
a lack of face to face communication, via not-too-distant holographic devices
projecting us into a common space from all over the world? Will future
computers simply simulate versions of us (for collaborations) so we can retain
the asynchronous advantages of distance learning thereby enabling us to be in
two places at the same time? Could artificial intelligence get to
the point where computers create holographic instructors based on each learners’
specific needs?
Second
Life describes itself as “a 3D world where everyone you see is a
real person and every place you visit is built by people just like you.” This
3D world has its own wiki site that
describes how it may be used for education. There are probably other virtual
worlds online. Whether 3D worlds become the classrooms of tomorrow or some
other as yet unimagined technology emerges, I believe distance learning is here
to stay.
Improving Societal Perceptions
Hopefully soon I will become a member
of the vast number of distance learning alumni worldwide. Even better yet, I
should be not just a product of distance learning but an instructional designer
who is a part of the distance learning team. To improve societal perceptions I
will need to demonstrate skills and capabilities that are in keeping with distance
learning’s best practices. Some of these include following a systematic approach
in which the learner is recognized as an integral part. Learners’ needs,
resources, capabilities etc., all need to be taken into account when planning
for distance learning experiences.
Another
aspect of demonstrating distance learning professionalism will be to select and
apply relevant areas from the various distance learning theorists, e.g. Peters,
Holmberg, Wedemeyer, Moore, etc., identified by Simonson, Smaldino,
Albright and Zvacek (2012).
Being both a public relations practitioner
and a teacher educator I am well placed to influence, educate and inform many
persons on the merits of distance education, what it is, and is not, and its benefits
and drawbacks. I have already incorporated much of what I have learned into my
own practice successfully. My students have been experienced a relatively
pain-free and supportive hybrid format of course delivery and, without any “soapboxing,”
it seems I have several converts, at least for the hybrid format of distance learning.
I am already speaking frankly about
distance education in various forums. Via informal collaborations with
colleagues or through more formal outlets such as public speaking engagements
and staff development seminars I plan to increase awareness and continue discussing
distance learning. I emphasize the equivalence and quality of distance
education, not just the convenience and availability, as Gambescia
and Paolucci (2009) have found that many universities do in their marketing
efforts.
Distance Learning Advocate for Continuous Improvement
Distance learning has come a far way
since its inception over a 160 years ago. Simonson, Smaldino, Albright
and Zvacek (2012) reveal that as far back as 1833 a Swedish newspaper advertised
for learners to study by mail. Besides influencing the perception of distance
education and clearing up misconceptions, I plan to continue contributing to
improvements. These are some of the ways.
- Stay abreast of current research and trends and try not to fall for the latest gizmo. Principles remain, the way they are practiced changes. By subscribing to professional journals and blogs I hope to keep abreast of how others are using technology. Simonson, Smaldino, Albright and Zvacek (2012) describe a 1983 article by Richard Clarke in which he states that media are “mere vehicles” (pg. 12) and that content and methodology are what actually influence learning.
- Observe ethical and legal boundaries. More and more there is a trend toward greater access to resources. Sometimes the legal lines become blurry as today’s practices include reformatting and repurposing others’ intellectual works. While respecting others’ work I plan to become a part of the worldwide open educational resource movement as demonstrated at the OER Commons website.
- Embrace diversity and be mindful of it. Celebrate the unique opportunities to mix and meet and learn from people all over the world while respecting others’ cultures.
As an instructional designer I plan to maintain openness, creativity, and practicality.
Resources
Dobbs, R., Waid, C., del Carmen, A. (2009) Students’ perceptions
of online courses: The effect of online course experience. The Quarterly Review of Distance Education, Volume
10(1), pp. 9–26 ISSN 1528-3518
Gambescia, S., & Paolucci, R. (2009). Academic
fidelity and integrity as attributes of university online degree program
offerings. Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, 12(1).
Retrieved from http://www.westga.edu/~distance/ojdla/spring121/gambescia121.html
Siemens, G. (2010) The Future of Distance Education Laureate Education, Inc. (Video
presentation)
Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2012).
Teaching and learning at distance: Foundations of distance education (5th ed.)
Boston, MA: Pearson.
“Star Trek” is owned by CBS
Entertainment. Rights Reserved. STAR TREK and related marks are trademarks of
CBS Studios Inc. http://www.startrek.com/
The image used was retrieved from
License details can be viewed via the following link: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
Links
Additional
information about George Siemens: http://www.elearnspace.org/about.htm
Open Education Resource Movement: http://www.oercommons.org/
Second Life: http://secondlife.com/
Second Life Wiki: http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Second_Life_Education
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