The Evolution of Distance Learning

As technology takes over and more people are striving to attain higher degrees, distance learning is becoming more and more popular. This is especially true among working individuals. Distance learning affords learners the opportunities to receive degrees without sitting in traditional classrooms. One of the main positives about distance learning is that learners are able to learn at their own pace in convenient locations.

My personal definition of distance learning before viewing this week’s resources was very basic. To me distance learning was studying and receiving a degree from a traditional educational institution by receiving instruction from an instructor or institution from a distance, collaborating with peers through discussion, receiving assignments, completing them, and waiting for feedback.

My revised definition after viewing our class textbook is a little more in depth than my definition before starting this course. Not only is distance learning an outlet for receiving higher degrees, it is also an outlet for professionals to receive training at more advanced levels. According to Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2009), “Businesses, companies, and corporations are offering instruction at a distance” (Simonson et al. 2009, p. 32). This statement provided light to my personal definition. Distance learning is not limited to instruction through traditional educational institutions, but it encompasses nontraditional institutions as well.

Although the concept of distance learning is not new, the concept changes as the world changes. As more institutions offer more distance learning classes and programs of study, the competition increases. Since the age of distant learners range from young to old, every learner does not approach distance learning with the same amount of technology skills. This fact alone is forcing many institutions to constantly research ways to make the use of distance learning interactivity for their program less trivial. Less trivial distance learning interactivity means that the learners may be successful with less knowledge about technology.

This week’s multimedia program, Distance Learning Timeline Continuum, chronicles the evolution of distance learning from 1833 – 2009. Distance learning has evolved from mail correspondence, radio broadcasts, television broadcasts, telephone distribution, video broadcasts through video tapes, course delivery through computer and Internet technology, satellite television, etc., all the way to the course management system that expands distance learning options through the creation of new and emerging Web 2.0 technologies. The future of distance learning is incomprehensible as it continues on its path of evolution and change.

References:

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