Week 1 Application

I define distance learning as any learning that takes place in a non-face to face environment. It could be online, video, TV, radio, DVD, CD, or mail. Prior to starting this course I took a class by mail. They mailed me a notebook, text book and cassette tapes (yes we are talking many years ago). When I was ready to test out of a section I had to ask someone to proctor me taking the test and mail it in. If I had questions there was a phone number I could call and speak with someone.

This week I learned the evolution of distance learning. I had no idea distance learning goes as far back as 1833. It amazes me how far it has evolved in the 150+ years. I mean now learning is at anyone’s finger tips. It does not have to be a formal class it could be surfing the internet for information about a disease or test or anything.

I think the definition of distance learning is always changing because distance learning is always changing. Factors that are effecting the change include, evolution of technology, society, new generations. The evolution of technology has taken distance learning from mail, which use to take weeks to reach its destination to computers with instant information. Society is involved because society has changed over the past 150 years meaning we have two income households, there is more emphasis on education today and of course over the years generations change. The baby boomers are different from generation X and the millennial’s. Each generation had a different outlook on education and on technology.

I believe we will continue to see more and more people and companies taking advantage of distance learning. It opens up many opportunities for more people. Companies are already taking advantage of distant learning for training opportunities. For instance at the company I work for they have short 5-10 minute videos to walk someone through a specific process. So if I have a new registrar and they need to transfer a student from the night program to the day program they can watch this short video to walk them through the process. This has saved a lot of time and energy on many levels.

The definition of distance learning will continue to change throughout the years as distance learning continues to change and evolve.

Resources:
Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2009). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (4th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2010). “Distance Learning Timeline Continuum” [Multimedia Program].