Distance Learning In the Years to Come

Introduction:

Distance education, over the years, has gained much popularity among many people. The old ways of getting up, going to school, coming home and repeating it day in and out has passed, well not quite, but it has, in some cases, lessened in popularity, especially among certain groups. Distance learning provides a flexible and excellent alternative for many people who have other obligations such as home, family and work to earn a degree and further their education and as technology grows so will distance learning.

Perceptions of Distance Learning in the future:

It’s hard to predict what the perceptions of distance learning will be in the future but I do believe perceptions will change. I believe people are beginning to understand that the implementation of distance learning is a process that uses available resources and will evolve to incorporate emerging technologies (Jianfeng &Solan,2010) and as our available technological resources improve and evolve so will distance education. Even with the technology we have today, distance learning is becoming top choice for many people especially those with careers, family and very busy lives. As technology such as video conferencing, course management systems, e-learning tools and software improve and other amazing technology emerge, people’s perceptions of distance learning will continue to change in a positive way and distance learning will probably become the main choice for most individuals.

Improving perceptions of distance learning:

Those who choose distance education want quality and not just quantity and want to learn, not just be given busy work. I believe instructional designers play a major role in how distance education is perceived. If we are to improve perceptions of distance learning there are a few things we must do.

• Remain current on the use of technology
• Remain current on new research in the field of instructional design
• Acquire new skills
• Create learning material that incorporates the use of the most current technology
• Create engaging material that will capture the attention of learners

By using the most current technology and applying the most current research in the field of instructional design to learning material I create, I can at least change the perceptions of those I’m able to reach.

Being a positive force for continuous improvement:

There are two things I can do to be a positive force for continuous improvement in the field of distance education.

1. I can be a mentor to those who think negatively about distance education- I believe most negative views of distance education are from those who fear learning online or from those who have had a negative distance learning experience. Both of these views can be changed by providing these learners with the skills and technology tools to be successful in online courses and showing them that distance learning courses can not only provide a quality education but can be fun and engaging.
2. I can practice the art of continuous education in the field of instructional design and choose design models that will create the best learning material.-Being up to date in the field of instructional design is just as important as the kind of design model chosen to create and complete training or learning material.

Conclusion:

As instructional designers we have a responsibility to help improve the perceptions of distance learning, to be a positive force for continuous improvement in the field, to improve on our skills and be continually educated on research and technology as it evolves.As technology improves and evolves so will the perceptions of distance learning. I believe people will begin to understand that distance education can provide just as much of a quality education as a traditional education, if not better.