Defining Distance Learning
My definition of distance learning
was one of utilizing the internet to connect to the classroom instead of
actually being face-to-face in a physical room. The instructor and students
would communicate with each other and utilize different forms of class work such
as essays, discussions, quizzes, presentations, and team projects. The learning
is asynchronous.
Although, I had heard of
correspondence courses, my first contact with distance learning was at my local
community college in getting my Associate in Applied Science degree in computer
programming. I took a course using WebCT. I had to post to the discussion
board, answer short answers, write a short paper, and take quizzes. Although I
utilized a real book, I also had resources to read online. All of my other
courses in the program were in the classroom and were very difficult for me to
attend while working full time 12-hour night shifts. My next encounter with
distance learning was through Indiana Wesleyan as I obtained my Bachelor of
Science in Nursing (BSN) degree through their online program. That program was
very similar to this degree program. I utilized a book and online readings,
discussion boards, quizzes, presentations and essays, and team projects. My BSN
degree took a lot more work, but I could do it on my time around my other
responsibilities. In the federal health care field, distance learning is not
necessarily a separation geographically, but more so in time. We have a lot of
our mandatory annual training online through a Talent Management System (TMS). Although
many of the modules are very simplistic with text and graphics, a few of them
are more interactive or have videos. Many of the modules are converted from
PowerPoint at our facility, but some are created at other facilities. We
connect to the TMS modules online and most have some sort of quiz at the end.
They are viewable asynchronously from any of our computers. They are all
self-paced with no instructor. However, with some of the computer training,
Camtasia software is utilized to show staff the steps involved and is sometimes
interactive.
Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, and
Zvacek (2012, p.31) define distance education as
“institution-based, formal education where the learning group is separated, and
where interactive telecommunications systems are used to connect learners,
resources, and instructors.” Since I obtained my BSN online, I feel like my
definition was very similar to that. I think technology has really changed the
way learning occurs and has opened the door for many people to obtain higher
education. There are so many different kinds of software that can be utilized in
distance learning. Distance learning brings education closer to everyone.
As for the future of distance learning,
my vision sees many more opportunities available to more people. Technology will
continue to advance to bring the classroom to people in their homes and on the go
with iPads. What appears to be missing with the interaction is now being fulfilled
with social sites such as wikis, blogs, and facebook, or even webcams and videoconferencing.
I do think there will always be a need for
a physical classroom as there are always learners who learn better in a more structured,
physical environment.
References
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