Distance Education Reflection

At the conclusion of the EDUC 6135 course, this designer offers a reflection of final thoughts regarding:

1.       the future of distance learning;

2.       being a proponent for improving societal perceptions of distance learning; and,

3.       influencing continuous improvement in the field of distance education.

The Future of Distance Learning

Online education is appealing for those seeking to further their knowledge and skills, but whose schedules may not work in the traditional course setting. Advantages of the online environment include: variety of class availability; cost savings, flexibility in scheduling, studying, and completing assignments; and work/life/school balance (OEDb.org, 2012).

There is a variety of speculation about the future of distance learning, but current research points us in the direction of anticipated growth in the adoption of online learning practices for learners, universities, and employers. Data from a recent survey by the Pew Research Center reveals 60% of respondents agreed with the following scenario projecting future changes in distance learning (Anderson, Boyles, & Rainie, 2012):

Source: Microsoft.com

By 2020, higher education will be quite different from the way it is today. There will be mass adoption of teleconferencing and distance learning to leverage expert resources. Significant numbers of learning activities will move to individualized, just-in-time learning approaches. There will be a transition to "hybrid" classes that combine online learning components with less-frequent on-campus, in-person class meetings. Most universities' assessment of learning will take into account more individually-oriented outcomes and capacities that are relevant to subject mastery. Requirements for graduation will be significantly shifted to customized outcomes.

Distance Learning Perceptions

Even with all of the advantages the projected outcomes for the future of distance learning, it is not for everyone. Those who decide to transition to the online experience must be prepared to (Littlefield, 2012):

1. Do just as well (or better) without people looking over their shoulders.
2. Never (or rarely) procrastinate.
3. Possess good comprehension skills.
4. Resist consistent distractions.
5. Be comfortable without the social elements of traditional schools.

In addition, perceptions of online degree credibility remain skeptical for some employers who are reluctant to hire people with degrees from online universities. According to the U.S. Department of Education, there is good news on the horizon for changing perceptions. Their data indicates online classes aren’t just an acceptable alternative to traditional education; they’re actually better:

“Students in online conditions performed modestly better, on average, than those learning the same material through traditional face-to-face instruction.” (Means, Toyama, Murphy, Bakia, Jones, 2010).

This translates to online education being viewed as an academic outcome enhancer and is likely to change perceptions about the significant progression of online course offerings (Langley, 2011).

In addition, the credibility of online educational institutions is connected to overall perceptions of quality degrees. It is therefore important for learners to choose an online university which has achieved accreditation demonstrating it has met rigorous quality standards set by a third party. Accreditation is obtained through a system of peer reviews which is important to the broader academic and professional community. This assures that a degree from an accredited university will be recognized and valued by employers, colleagues, and other accredited universities (Walden University, 2012).

Influencing Improvement

This designer is optimistic about the future of distance learning. Practicing the principles of effective instructional design outlined in multiple resources including those this semester has been instrumental in advancing her career-related projects. By continuing to apply newly gained knowledge and being ethical in her practices, she joins her fellow online classmates and designers in influencing the improvement and credibility of distance education.

References

Anderson, J.Q., Boyles, J.L., & Rainie, L. (2012). The future of the internet. Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project. Retrieved from http://pewinternet.org/~/media//Files/Reports/2012/PIP_Future_of_Higher_Ed.pdf

Langley, J. (2011). The changing perception of online education.

     Retrieved from http://edudemic.com/2011/11/online-ed-perception/

Littlefield, J. (n.d.). Is distance learning right for you? About.com Distance Learning. Retrieved from http://distancelearn.about.com/od/isitforyou/a/considering.htm

Means, B., Toyama, Y., Murphy, R., Bakia, M., Jones, K. (2010). Evaluation of evidence-based practices in online learning: A meta-analysis and review of online learning studies. U.S. Department of Education. Retrieved from http://www2.ed.gov/rschstat/eval/tech/evidence-based-practices/finalreport.pdf

OEDb.org. (2012). 10 advantages to taking online classes. Retrieved from http://oedb.org/library/distance-vs-local/10-advantages-to-taking-online-classes

Walden University. (2012). Accreditation. Retrieved from http://www.waldenu.edu/about/who-we-are/accreditation