Simonson (2000) said that distance learning has gained a foothold in the technology world as an ever-expanding technological innovation and that “This article advocates making decisions based on what is the best way to facilitate learning.” Simonson also talked about revising the delivery of distance learning process through research proven methods.
Simonson’s (n.d.) equivalency theory, suggests that learning outcomes in traditional classrooms compared to e-learning can be made equal by the approaches used in instruction and learning. To do this, instructional approaches need to be modified. This was also suggested in distance learning you cannot duplicate the classroom, but have to adjust the learning experience to meet the learning needs in distance learning. Some of the pros of distance education that Simonson discussed are: (a) time saved by not having to travel, (b) convenience, and (c) increased access to the material. His article seemed to be based from mainly the educational stand-point; whereas, Moller, L., Forshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008) was from the business perspective, applicable to education. They acknowledged the expansion of distance learning expansion in the future. They listed concern dealing with the business end of e-learning instructional design (ID) among these were: a) making sure that the product was of learning quality, b) bettering the instructional systems design (ISD) methodologies, and c) providing needed training.
My thoughts:
Both methods are a means to the same end. Both advocate changes needed in the improvement of distance learning. I believe that each of the articles need adhered to by all the schools planning to keep up with the growing needs of today’s students and the workforce.
References
Moller, L., Forshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008). The Evolution of Distance Education: Implications for Instructional Design on the Potential of the Web. TechTrends: Linking Research & Practice to Improve Learning, 52(3), 70-75. doi:10.1007/s11528-008-0158-5.
Simonson, M.(n.d.). Distance education: The next generation [Video podcast]. Retrieved from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com
Simonson, M. (2000). Making Decisions: The Use of Electronic Technology in Online Classrooms. New Directions for Teaching & Learning, (84), 29. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database.
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Debra,
ReplyDeleteI agree that the articles by Moller, et. al. seem to point to creating a marketable education that can be adapted for various purposes. Do you think that this approach to creating online classes might help to even out education in this country? It seems to me that if there is a suggested adaptable national curricula for core high school courses, there might be less diversity in the quality of high school education, but I can't quite decide if that is a good idea or a bad one.
Cynthia
I enjoyed your blog and your insights in the articles. Distance Education is advancing due to ongoing improvement and acceptance in the fields of education and business. The improvements make distance learning accessible to the learners that contain the characteristics needed to succeed. In addition, distance learning fits easily in high schools and college settings.
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