Module 2 Elements of Distance Education Diffusion

The element of how we communicate has evolved. In Dr. Seimens video, Principle of Distance Education: The Future of Distance Education, he states that there is a “growing acceptance due to society realizing that they can have meaningful relationship through an online environment” (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008). This new acceptance is based on the tools that allow for communication between family, friends, and colleagues. Dr. Siemens continues by stating that “geographical separation” is not a significant factor anymore (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008). For example, people are using video tools to communicate across the globe. Skype is an online video tool that people have accepted and used to communicate within the education and business world. Dr. Seimens states that as the “communication technologies improve in quality, then there will be an increase in the use of multimedia, games, and simulations” (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008). Dr. Seimens sees this as a growing shift towards what he calls the triple helix model of education. This is where universities, government, and business interact to provide and equip students with the necessary tools for working in an online environment. For distance education this means, more communications tools means more people can attend school, and begin working in the education field with the knowledge and experiences of using these online tools. The triple helix model of education can help “bridge the gap”, so everyone is comfortable and prepared to learn and work in an online environment (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008).

Reference

Laureate Education, Inc. (2008). Principles of distance education: The future of distance education. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Module 1 The Next Generation of Distance Education

Distance education has become an important part of our society. The inclusion of technology in our everyday lives has become apparent. It is used in our personal lives and has become very strong in distance education. According to Moller, Foshay, and Huett (2008), online distance learning continues to grow and has expanded to all sectors in education. Moller, Foshay, Huett, Coleman, and Simonson would all agree that distance education will experience explosive growth in the future.

According to Simonson (2000), online students and face-to-face students learn in a different environment; however, because of this students should have the same opportunities to achieve the learning outcomes required of them. Simonson’s (2000) equivalency theory falls into this category. His theory is based on “the more equivalent the learning experiences of distance learners are to those of local learners, the more equivalent will be outcomes of the learning experiences” (p. 30). Equivalent theory is achieved through the learning experiences of the students; however, it should be based on the different learning styles of each student. For educators to be able to this, it is important for them to be trained through the proper channels to be successful in differentiated between online education and brick and mortar schools.

According to Moller, Foshay, and Huett (2008), transferring the methods of a brick and mortar school into an online environment will create the learning outcomes students need to be successful. It is important to differentiate between these two teaching styles. The educational system needs to provide the necessary training and development for teachers to be able to give their students the technologies and resources they need to succeed in an online class.

I do agree with the authors that creating an online course versus the traditional school needs to be done with great consideration. It is also important for teachers to get the proper training they require so they can provide the students with the proper technologies. Technology is an important aspect of online learning. It needs to be implemented properly to get the desired learning outcomes for each student.

References

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.

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. 

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