Reflections

Perceptions of Distance Learning

Given the growth of global competition, it has become essential for policy makers, staff, institutions, and big business to become better informed regarding training, whether it be online or face to face.  The demand for online classes, increase in cost, and unobtainable classes will drive the power of distance education or e-learning.  Consequently, we see more facilities formulating plans to encompass these internationalized strategies at all levels in the system.

 Kevin Van Cauter, Distance Learning Adviser within the Education and Training Group at the British Council conducted a study on distance learning and where it will be in 20 to 30 years.  “The Global Forecasting Model forecast that the global demand for transnational education is forecast to grow even faster than programs within the UK, but there are considerable associated risks.  It is inevitable that competition in this area will grow fast.  The opportunities presented by new technologies and economics are many. In particular, a number of countries (notably the US) are developing more sophisticated approaches for the provision of course modules through distance learning, including for their home campus students.” (British Council, 2000). 

As a result we find that distance learning will only increase and become more popular, more stable, and cost less than traditional education.  In the case of support improvement in distance education, there is only one answer.  We must support any and all improvement concerning distance education. 

Vision for Distance Education

In my opinion, success in distance education will depend on the vision of those that are responsible for planning and implementing online courses at a national level or any institutional level (stakeholder).   Distance education is doomed to fail unless we have a clear vision of how distance education can be utilized and a way to overcome its weakness.  We must have a concrete understanding of what the values, benefits, and goals of distance learning are.   We must have a vision of what the world we live in and how the next generation can benefit from technology and online learning. (Kamara, et al., p. 21)  The young people of today are the future.  Some universities are starting to look at ways to enhance their online learning.   

Oakland states, “The key concepts of continuous improvements are:

 

1.  Planning the process and its inputsConclusion
2. Providing the inputs
3. Operating the processes
4. Evaluating the outputs
5. Examining the performance of the processes
6. Modifying the processes and their inputs (Oakland, 1994, 431)

 From the above list, evident that defining and implementing the process is an important element of continuous improvement. Once a process has been defined, established, requirements met, the next thing is to improve the process.  Additional, it must be a vision shared by all in the organization.  (Austin, 2010)    

 

 Conclusion

In conclusion, the key is to use distance education to benefit learning.  The Institute for the Future has published their forecast for 2020 and one point they addressed was “New tools for visualizing data will require new skills in discerning meaningful patterns. Social media and collaborative tools will leave “data trails” of people’s online interactions—including contributions to group activities, inquiries and searches, skills, digital resources, and preferences (such as playlists, buddy lists, and topics tracked)— and social networks” (Knowledge Works, 2008).  Consequently, we must look for more creative ways to teach the youth of tomorrow, in some cases online and in others face to face.  I am more prepared to use the information from this class as an Instructional designer to create a better online class.

If you have a chance, check out the following sites.

Dr. Woody Wu 

Face to face learning methodologies vs Distance learning …

Dr_Woody Wu_Web 3.0- and Cellular Phone-based Distance – Texas …

 

References

Austin, I. O. (2010). Capacity management For Continuous Improvement in distance Education. University of the West Indies. Retrieved. Oct. 27, 2010.

British Council. 2004. Vision 2010 forecasting International Student Mobility. The United Kingdom’s international organization for educational opportunities and cultural relations. .http://www.aera.net/AboutAERA/Default.aspx?menu_id=90&id=222

KWFDDN. KnowledgeWorks Foundation. (2010). 2020 forecast: Creating the Future of Learning. Retrieved Oct. 27, 2010. http://www.futureofed.org/pdf/forecast/2020_forecast.pdf

Kamara, Abie Paula. Distance Education Can Solve The Numberous Educational Problems in Third World Africa.. Retrieved Oct. 27, 2010. www.stclements.edu/grad/gradkama.pdf

Austin, I. O. (2010). Capacity management For Continuous Improvement in distance Education. University of the West Indies. Retrieved. Oct. 27, 2010.

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