Defining Distance Learning

 

From previous experience, distance learning has been beneficial in both my undergraduate and graduate pursuits. It allows flexibility for work and personal life. For a person that has not had experience with distance learning it can be overwhelming to them because you are solely responsible for receiving all pertinent information. There are certain courses that I would not take in a distance learning setting such as anything relating to math. Interactivity is also an engaging component that can be incorporated into distance learning courses.   

Distance learning is popular in my career industry and often is considered to be e-learning. I work for a company that has a global workforce with employees spread throughout the world and it is challenging to deliver training in this type of environment.   I am currently working with the human resource department to start our distance learning program.

“Distance education is defined as an institution based formal education where the learning group of separated, and where interactive telecommunications systems are used to connect learners, resources, and instructors (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, & Zvacek, 2012).” Distance learning is an evolving approach to education and training. During my undergraduate career, I had to opportunity to participate in traditional classroom lectures and online lectures as well.

        Continuing, distance learning will continue to evolve as technology and demand for it increases. There are new effective and efficient methods that allow for distance learning to be delivered on demand. The concept of on demand is becoming widely used and needed in life. For example, even cable companies offer on demand television program that gives viewers access to shows whenever they would like to view them.  This could serve the same purpose for education and training.

 

This mind map illustrated concepts that I think help to evolve the definition of distance education. The bigger branches include separation, telecommunication systems, institution based, and interactivity. 

 

References:

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2012). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (5th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.