According to Simmonson (2008) distance education is reaching
its maximum usage and the adoption of
the technology has reached the peak of the S curve for diffusion. After reading
articles from Moller, Huett, Foshay,
and Coleman my opinion is that the next generation of distance education will
evolve to meet the needs of many learners separated
by many factors. Distance education is in need of this evolution so that the
benefits are visible to schools, corporations, and the public (Moller, et.al, 2008). There is a need for distance
education in the K-12 area and it is growing to meet those needs (Moller, et.al, 2008). Larger classrooms, older buildings,
and the quality of teachers available in certain locations are leading schools
to implement virtual learning (Moller, et.al,
2008).
I agree with all
the viewpoints presented. We need
distance education to make the most of the technology and resources available.
Having access to the internet, professors from across the country, and peer
collaboration is increasing my knowledge and quality of education. This experience,
distance education, should be available in the K-12 area and will be a great
resource once implemented on a larger scale.
Both the links provided are from wired campus and give blogs and podcasts on distance education.
http://chronicle.com/blogs/wiredcampus/author/mparry
http://chronicle.com/blogs/wiredcampus/author/jyoung
Both the links provided are from wired campus and give blogs and podcasts on distance education.
http://chronicle.com/blogs/wiredcampus/author/mparry
http://chronicle.com/blogs/wiredcampus/author/jyoung
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2008).
(n.d.). Distance education: the next generation. Retrieved June 5, 2012, from
class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_968784_1%26url%3D
Simonson, M. (2000). Making Decisions: The Use of Electronic
Technology in Online Classrooms. New Directions For Teaching & Learning,
(84), 29.
Molder, L., Forshay, W.R., and Huett, J. (2008). The
Evolution of Distance Education Implications of Institutional Design on the
Potential of the Web. Tech trends:Linking Research and Practice to Improve
Learning, 52(3), 70-75.
Melissa, I believe in the future we will see more, not less distance learning. People are busier, not every student is cut out for the on-campus life, and travel time is eliminated.
ReplyDeleteI agree completely. But it concerns me in that for profit schools will take advantage of distance education and end up lowering the quality of schooling they offer. Thoughts?
ReplyDeleteMelissa,
ReplyDeleteI too believe that distance education will only grow from here. More and more schools are using it at the high school level now. I don't believe education is looing quality or richness for accelerated children but I do believe that children making up credit are not getting the full understanding of the class they are enrolled in. How do you feel about distance learning for children making up credits?
I believe that online education is growing. I have a child who who did bad in history class last year and failed, She went to summer school and took an online program to make up the credit. She learn more in three weeks using the program then she did in the classroom. On July 19 she will go and retake the class, at that time I will see how much she learned.
ReplyDelete