According to this module's assigned readings, vodcast, and discussions, it is easy for us to understand and appreciate the advantages of distance education. Dr. Simonson (2008) states, "distance education is not identical to face-to-face education, but it is equivalent." This correlation of the two provides us with a foundation as to what is meant by the term Equivalency Theory as mentioned in the vodcast. Essentially, both face-to-face learning and distance education should be designed with the same learning outcomes even if there may be different learning experiences to meet those outcomes.
Distance education provides learners with the opportunity to learn on their own time and pace. The days of having to adhere to class times and commuting back and forth from campuses are long over. Distance education is providing students with the skills they need and how they need them. "Distance learning is rapidly becoming a popular choice for continuing professional education, mid-career degree programs, and lifelong learning of all kinds" (Moller, 2008).
Distance education needs to be able to keep up with the demands of its learners. There are an abundance of learners out there looking for quality distance education programs, however there are not a lot of programs that exist due to a lack of interest of those who would be willing to pioneer such programs. Unfortunately, distance education has be viewed in the past as an easier program and lacks the rigor that universities demand of its students. However, this is not the case with all distance education programs and it is time that they begin being recognized. As the articles alluded, distance education has the potential to be great modes of learning and will do so if there is enough faculty buy in. On the other hand, Dr. Simonson doesn't find buy in necessary. He feels that distance education is here and is rapidly becoming the way most effective and efficient means by which to learn.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (2008). Distance Education: The Next Generation
. Retrieved from
http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=4930714&Survey=1&47=3145888&ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1.
Moller, L., Forshay, W. R., & Huett, J. (2008). The Evolution of Distance Education: Implications for Instructional Design on the Potential of the Web. TechTrends: Linking Research & Practice to Improve Learning, 52(3), 70-75.
Moller, L., Foshay, W. R., & Huett, J. (2008). The Evolution of Distance Education: Implications for Instructional Design on the Potential of the Web. TechTrends: Linking Research & Practice to Improve Learning, 52(4), 66-70.
Huett, J., Moller, L., Foshay, W. R., & Coleman, C. (2008). The Evolution of Distance Education: Implications for Instructional Design on the Potential of the Web. TechTrends: Linking Research & Practice to Improve Learning, 52(5), 63-67.
