Perceptions of Distance Learning

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

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

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

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In the future, I think that distance learning will expand to all forms of educational arenas and workplace formats because of the technological advances with distance learning. Just think of how many people that distance learning has provided opportunities to people that would not otherwise be able to attend school or a job.  With that being said, I think the perception of distance learning over the next couple of years will be even more embraced and acceptable among the masses because many traditional colleges for example are entering the distance learning arena just stay competitive among all other schools such as Walden.

 Within the next five years, I think that distance learning will be considered as the norm as opposed to 

“ new or different”.  Even though distance learning has been around for over 30 years it has slowly been integrated within the educational and workplace format and now that technology is evolving at such a rapid rate distance learning will continue to flourish. Furthermore, the traditional format of education and learning will be considered outdated due the ever-evolving resources of the Internet. Even today, instructional designers and SME’s are looking for ways to make learning more streamline and accommodating to the everyday learner.  For example, at Walden we have a student readiness orientation course that original took 20 hours to complete in its entirety, now the instructional designers cut the orientation in half to 4 hours because the wanted some that the more accommodating and more streamline for the Walden students.  This is just an example of how fast we are changing and looking for change.

Now looking even further in the future with distance learning, the expectation of learning in my opinion will change because of the amount of resources readily available for the everyday learner.  According Dr. Frank Mayadas“ no longer will there be a difference between the distance learning and the traditional or campus student because they will have the same form of education in some way.  I believe that blended education will sweep the education system because student will have a chance of education and technological tools”.  Meaning within the next 15 to 20 years distance will be the norm for learning and every aspect of education will include some of distance learning.

 As an instructional designer, to improve of the perception of distance learning will be awareness and encouraging people to try it. Still many people are afraid of using technology to their benefit.  I have talked to people that want to go to school online but afraid of using the computer and have an over whelming feeling once they on the computer. Therefore as an instructional designer, I think it’s important for potential distance learner to be comfortable with the learning environment and to be aware of the benefits of distance learning. Society’s perception of distance learning today is more accepting because online and distance learning has made possible for the everyday learners to achieve their educational or career goals.

 Since I work with people everyday that are deciding whether to choose the online learning or the traditional learning format to continue the educational goals; I want to make the everyday learner aware of the benefits of online/Distance learning. I want to encourage individuals that distance learning is just a different way of thinking and learning.  In my opinion, distance learning is a way of thinking outside of the box and thinking beyond the traditional learning and the traditional teacher student relationship but distance learning is about taking accountability for your learning experience and changing the way you think about learning.

Reference:

Mayadas, Frank. (2013). Digital Learning 2010 Virtual Conference. Published July 3, 2013