Reflection of Distance Learning in the Future

What do you think the perceptions of distance learning will be in the future (in 5–10 years; 10–20 years)?

Over time technology has become innovative opening the doors for distance learning far more from the 1950’s. In the next 5-10 years the advances that have been made this far will be obsolete and we will see technology advances beyond our comprehension, offering many avenues for distance learning. We will watch distance learning grow; instructors will become tech-savvy and held to a very high standard.  Traditional education will continue to be offered but the majority of people to opt for the distance education or a blended course because people have to balance so many things in their lives.

Geographical distance will not separate the learning; everything will be connected and based on the learner’s needs or wants. As distance learning continues to grow acceptance it could become the norm for adults seeking higher education, but this also will grow as an option for elementary and high school students.  Virtual classrooms will be available utilizing various Course Management Systems with both synchronous and asynchronous materials. The Distance Learning will have various tools for learning through mobile devices, not just personal computers or laptops and the technology probably will be limitless.

Distance Education in ten to twenty years will be the norm for many institutions and be readily accepted by employers for workforce training.   I cannot even begin to envision what the technology will have to offer for distance education, but it will be taken to a whole new level to meet the needs of society. For instance, everything will be connected and to assure validity in course work they might have digital fingerprint scans or voice recognition for tests. The next ten to twenty years for distance learning will bring advances never thought of in this day and age.

How can you as an instructional designer be a proponent for improving societal perceptions of distance learning?

As an instructional designer striving to be a proponent for improving societal perceptions of distance learning, I will continually be well informed of the technological advances in both software and products. I will continually learn relating these applications to teaching distance learning along with the working knowledge of the various applications for education and businesses because students come from different environments with prior knowledge. Students that come to distance education also come with “an array of experiences to the classroom, even those at distance”(Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, & Zvacek).  Finally I will need to continue to focus on current advancements in technology along with business opportunities so distance education can continue to grow with the placement of qualified distance learning students into the businesses.

How will you be a positive force for continuous improvement in the field of distance education?

I will be a positive for continuous improved in the field of distance education by continuing to grow and learn my improving my skills through distance education. I will need to learn the tools of technology as the tool advance in order to offer distance learners’ current teaching of technology. These learners need to see a positive instructor who is willing to continue to grow and improve utilizing distance education myself.  It will be important to remember that the learners are separated by distance although the instructor must learn about his/her learners, the learners must take ownership about their learning, “The type of distance instructional setting will dictate the kinds of student responsibilities”(Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, & Zvacek)

 References:

Siemens, G. (2010). The future of distance education. Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). Video.

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2009). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (4^th ed.). Boston, MA:
Pearson