After reading the three articles by Moller, Huett, Foshay and Coleman, and listening to the Simonson video programs, compare and contrast the reasons these authors believe there is a need to evolve distance education to the next generation. Do you agree with their positions? Why or why not?

Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008, May/June) states that, “the motivating factor for corporate e-learning are predominantly economic. “ “E learning is instantly available, providing timely and on-demand learning access impossible in a traditional training center.”

Anderson (2008, p. 52) found that, “distance education has attracted students who value freedom and independence.”

Simonson (2000) states that, “the key to success in distance learning isn’t what’s used its how it’s used.” He advocates for a 4 step equivalency theory outline, “to ensure online students and those in face-to-face classes learn in fundamentally different environments.” Simonson on the DVD points, “out that there was 1 1/2 million students in distance education 5 years ago and that there are over 6 million now a 300% increase.” What do you think the numbers will be 5 years from now?

After all isn’t this why most of us are taking distance classes? I am taking them because of the freedom and independence I have in completing the class work. Why are you taking them?

All of the articles we have read and video we have heard advocate for evolving distance education for the next generation. They all feel that there is a need to evolve distance learning for the benefit of using all learning strategies which aren’t always available in the regular education classroom.

All the authors feel that distance education hold promises for the here and now as well as the future. I agree with them. I want to be ready to meet the changes that are coming in education. No Child Left Behind was just the beginning of educational change.

References:

Anderson, T. (Ed.). (2008). The theory and practice of online learning. (2nd ed.). Edmonton, AB: Athabasca University Press.

Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008, May/June). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the Web (Part 1: Training and Development). TechTrends, 52(3), 70–75.

Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008, July/August). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the Web (Part 2: Higher Education). TechTrends, 52(4), 66–70.

Huett, J., Moller, L., Foshay, W. & Coleman, C. (2008, September/October). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the Web (Part 3: K12). TechTrends, 52(5), 63–67.

Simonson, M. (2000). Making decisions: The use of electronic technology in online classes. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 84, 29–34.

DVD: Laureate Education, Inc. (2008). Principles of Distance Education. Baltimore: Simonson, M.