In the video “Future of Distance Education,” (2010) Dr. George Siemens stated that we need to “bridge the gap of comfort,” when it comes to online learning. That is the key to gaining more acceptance and participation to all distance learning. People know distance learning exists. They know that people use it. They also know it is different than what they grew up with in terms of a learning environment. However, they don’t always know what it is really like even if they took an online course within the past five years. Distance learning has changed, improved and is bridging that gap of comfort.
There are several factors that will encourage bridging the gap of comfort for the future of distance learning in the next 5 – 10 years and beyond. According to the video, “Distance Education: The Next Generation,” (2010) Dr. Simonson stated that “Today, distance education is widely adopted and approaching critical mass in society.” (2010) In addition to wide spread acceptance and use today, Simonson also believes that, “If we look at past patterns in educational technology, we can expect exponential growth of distance educational schools.” (2010) In addition, there is the emergence of other distance learning opportunities such as virtual schools. Although there is actual learning and teaching occurring in these formats, the term generally refers to an online school for students in the K-12 range. These schools have the benefit of being available to students as long as they have a current computer and internet access. The phase “Any time, any place, any path, any pace,” (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, & Zvacek, 2009, p.36) from the Florida Virtual School sums up the teaching and learning philosophy of most virtual schools. It is a viable alternative to an in-class school for students with disabilities, students in rural areas or ones that have not been allowed to remain in regular classrooms for behavior issues. As more and more people enroll in these virtual schools, and other distance learning, there will be even more people who are willing to try a similar learning experience. If the economy continues to struggle, then I can foresee even more academic institutes and corporations turning to distance learning to offset the costs of training. The ease of use and costs will continue to shape the quality, quantity and perceptions of distance learning in the coming decade and beyond.
The saying “Success breeds success” is probably the best way to be a proponent for improving societal perceptions of distance learning. When others I meet ask where I got my master’s degree, I will be able to say that not only was it through Walden University, but it was an entirely online program. Already I have made connections with others who have done the same and have discussed the program with curious friends and family. They have heard about my experiences and the benefits, and challenges, of a distance learning program. When people hear about the success I have had with earning a master’s degree online, they may not only be interested, but also may commit to a similar program and thus closing the gap of comfort even more.
There are several ways I can be a positive force for the continuous improvement for distance learning. One way is through the aforementioned example by having a blended program within my own classroom. Secondly, I can continue to use and promote new technologies. My school district is already making the transition from regular text books to providing students with a mini-laptop with all the textbooks on the computer. This is not directly related to distance learning, but it is another use of technology in which students can become more comfortable using which would help when or if the students does indeed take an online course. Third, I could also stay up-to date with the current instructional design programs and research. This will help me to know how to encourage and help others when they enter a distance learning environment.
As with all new concepts or ideas, it takes time for people to become comfortable with its challenges and benefits. My role with all of it is to be the next link in that bridge that closes that gap between those whose level of comfort can be increased by my encouragement and success.
References
Video Program: “Distance Education: The Next Generation” (2010), Walden University
Video Program: “The Future of Distance Education”( 2010), Walden University
Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2009). Teaching and learning at a
distance: Foundations of distance education (4th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.
