Distance Learning: Defining an Evolution

Distance Learning

At a glance the name alone denotes learning conducted at a distance. But what does that truly mean? To me, distance learning has always encompassed all learning conducted outside of a classroom whether it is user or instructor driven, and regardless of the type of accountability. Dr. Simonson defined distance learning as “formal education in which the learning group (teachers, students, resources) are separated by geography and sometimes, by time” (Laureate, n.d.). This idea of distance learning has evolved over the course of generations of learners. In the beginning distance learning was done via correspondence course, which then moved to telephone delivery, and then to various iterations via the internet. As technology changes, lives change, and thus our learning must evolve as well. With today’s technology, we are now, more than ever able to replicate a consistent yet personalized mode of learning that is conducive to most any learning style at any stage in life. According to Michael Moore’s (Simonson, Smaldino, Zvacek, 2010) theories of independent study and transactional distance, we can take into account two elements:

1. ·       The provision for two-way communication (dialog), whereby some systems or programs offer greater amounts of two-way communication than others.
2. ·       The extent to which a program is responsive to the needs of the individual learner (structure), whereby some programs are very structure, while others are very responsive to the needs and goals of the individual student.

With these things in mind, my original definition of distance learning being any learning conducted outside of a classroom begins to change. Distance learning must involve a component of accountability to a teacher or facilitator that will further foster and encourage mastery of the ideas and concepts being presented. One of the biggest benefits to distance learning is economic, it is simply more cost effective to conduct distance education or training. In addition, it is more efficient to ensure consistency in message. In fact, the use of technology for communication of information has become so pervasive that Moller, Foshay, and Huett (2008) state that “it would be almost unthinkable to perform many strategic business functions any other way.” In most any career or profession, one will find some degree of distance learning whether training conducted via a Learning Module System (LMS), webinars, teleconferences, or any number of experiences that can be qualified as distance learning.

In my personal experience, I have been engaged in some form of distance learning whether through my own education or my career for the last fifteen years. My very first web based course, taken in 2002, was set up very much like the current courses I am taking toward this degree. We utilized Blackboard, there were posted resources, discussion boards, and assignments. In that way, I have not seen a lot of evolution within the classroom or school environment. Now we do have video based resources, the instructor often will post an instructional video or two throughout the course, and the resources may be more interactive, but the basic premise is essentially the same. In the professional world however, many technological advancements have allowed for further growth in this area.

Currently I serve in the training department for a large, franchise based, supplemental education company. Due to the nature of our business, we are required to conduct training virtually as a savings measure in both time and money. Ten years ago, when I was trained for my first remote position I was assigned a number of videos, I conducted a phone call with my supervisor, and that was it. The training I deliver today is live, web based training on a platform that allows for multiple levels and types of interaction throughout the duration of the course. In addition, learners are able to customize their experience to meet their needs in real time.

Distance learning is something that is difficult to define in a very exact manner due to the fact that it is constantly changing and evolving with the technology it utilizes. When we look back five, ten, twenty years to now, and then look ahead, we can only imagine what will soon be available to us for delivery of distance learning.

Resources:

Laureate Education (Producer). (n.d.).  Distance education: The next generation [Video file].  Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu 

Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008).  The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web (Part 1: Training and development).  TechTrends, 52(3), pp. 70-78

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., & Zvacek, S. (2015).  Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education. pp. 31-40