Distance
learning refers to a learning environment in which the instructor and student
are separated by physical distance. Although distance learning goes back to the
early 1800's , distance learning has evolved with the development technology
through media, telephone, video, from
print to radio, television, video, satellite, computers, and now the Internet. Traditionally,
distance education has been mainly between the instructor and the student with
little to no opportunity for interaction among students. Today, the Internet
changes this interaction because it allows learners to “communicate with each
other either through synchronous or asynchronous communication” ( Simonson
2012). Students are able to participate in learning through a discussion
format for example by reading and responding to all correspondence by other
learners and the instructor, thereby “learning from each other as much as from
the instructor” ( Simonson 2012). Thus causing the roles of the instructor and
the student to change, and “the instructor becomes more of a facilitator of
learning and the student becomes more of an active participant in, and more in
control of, the learning process” ( Simonson 2012). Therefore the key elements
and attributes of becoming successful at distance learning is time management,
self-motivated and communication.
As busy professional it’s important that you
would be able to management your time. Most adults are consumed with working
fulltime jobs, family obligation and other duties responsibilities. And to add
school and /or training on top of a busy schedule requires a considerable
amount of time management. Distance leaner must learn how to manage their time
along with create good study habits because they have a lot of distractions. Hence many people think that distance
learning should be easier when in fact, “Online is not easier than the
traditional educational process. In fact, many students will say it requires
much more time and commitment”( Wilkinson 2010). Next, online
learning takes a real commitment and discipline to keep up with the learning
environment. The learner must be
self-motivated and discipline in
order to be successful. “Since students are not forced to attend classes,
therefore they find it extremely difficult to stay on top of their work because there is no one to keep them on task” (Wilkinson, 2010)
Some of the
“non-verbal communication mechanisms that instructors use in determining
whether students are having problems (confusion, frustration, boredom, absence,
etc.) are not possible in the online
paradigm” (Wilkinson 2010). For example, if a student is experiencing
difficulty with the course in any way, (either with the technology or with the
course content), they must communicate with the instructor immediately.
Otherwise the instructor will never know that the student is struggling or
having problems with the course or learning environment. Therefore, a
“successful student will view online as a convenient way to receive their
education - not an easier way” ( Wilkinson 2010) .
Lastly, distance learners must be willing to
communicate their needs for learning. The pace for distance is considered to be
a little faster so as a learner they can easily get lost with the amount of
work required from the instructor. Due to the fact that,” distance learning is done in the course of group
interaction, instructional designers will be required to put forth an enormous
attempt to integrate the technologies to meet the needs of distance learners
and foster collaboration and interaction among these learners” (Chaney, J.,
Chaney, E. Stellefson, and Eddy, 2008). So if a student is unfamiliar with
navigating through blogs,wikis and discussion boards they should
communicate to the instructor as soon as
possible so that the instructor may assist with additional instructional
material that would help the student. Furthermore, online learners are expected
to not only use the internet but utilize other provided library resources and
be able to site their references as needed. Because distance learning is fairly new to a
lot of individuals at times, “students often have difficulty in understanding
their tasks, therefore email and chats are useful in communicating with the
instructor for helpful information. In my experience” ( Wilkinson 2012).I think
that communicating your needs as soon as
possible vital to being a successful distance learner.
References:
Wilkinson, M. (2010). Why distance learning can be
a good way to study when you have a disability.Retrieved May 25, 2011 from http://www.helium.com/items/1987584-why-distance-learning-can-be-a-good-way-to-study-when-you-have-a-disability
.
Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S.
(2012). Teaching and learning at a distance:
Foundations of distance education (5th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.
