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Sunday, December 25, 2011

The Next Generation of Distance Education

E-learning is where people discover the learning process through the use of technology anytime and anywhere in the world.  Huett, Moller, Foshay, and Coleman (2008) pose the question “Is e-learning (and the technologies that support it) truly a breakthrough or is it only the latest “miracle” which promises solutions to all the problems associated with education and training?”

There is a great demand for e-learning growth but the problem lies within the development of it. Huett, Moller, Foshay, and Coleman (2008) spotlight the need for training, development, and higher education because authorities/ administration do not understand the developmental process which can lead to a false perception.  Meanwhile, Simonson (2008) emphasis that distant/e-learning concentrates on actual education from different geographical locations. E-learning or distance learning has beyond a doubt globalized the educational field by removing the geographical boundaries of all nations and allowing people of many locations, abilities, and status to partake in an education. Successful distance educational programs begin with watchful planning and a focused concentration on the course requirements and student needs. Distance education does not happen on its own accord; it evolves through the hard work and committed efforts of many individuals such as; students, faculty, facilitators, support staff, and administrators. When all factors are in place, the melting pot of information forms a good backbone for distance learning environment
Simonsons (2000) Equivalency Theory seems to be the better of two words providing the outcomes and learning experiences favor similar results. It allows for F2F, increased investment for institutions, convenience of staying at home or not driving to campus and increase in motivation and access for students. This theory, in my eyes, benefits all who are interested in pursuing education at a distance.    
Huett, J. Moller, L., Fosay, W. & Coleman, C. (2008). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the Web (Part 3: K12). Tech Trends, 52(5), 63-67.
Simonson, M. (2000). Making decisions: The use of electronic technology in online classes. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 84, 29–34. Use the Academic Search Premier database, and search using the article's title.



1 comment:

  1. Copied from my wikispace blog:

    Dr. Singh (2006) brings up the same points but goes on to point out there are challenges for still developing nations, like India, to take full advantage of the globalisation of eduction.
    Geetha Narayanan, the director of Mallya Aditi International School and Srishti, School of Art Design and Technology in India, deals with these challenges daily. She recently delivered a keynote at The Global Education Conference entitled,"Disrupting the Middle Grades- The Case for Creative Unity over Competitive Advantage".


    Reference
    Singh, M. (2006). Challenges of globalisation on Indian higher education. University News, 44(19), 1-9.

    I agree that their still are challenges in developing nations but just the fact that it is starting to enter those nations is wonderful! Things aren't built in one day.....

    My video topic will be on Virtual Worlds
    As technologies progress into the next years, virtual worlds will be used for all types of purposes, for example; social networking, military training, education, political expression and commercial gaming- all are forms of virtual worlds.

    “Virtual worlds might be useful tools in online teaching because of their ability to engage students in interactions with the instructor and others in the class as well as with their environment”

    Baker, S. C., Wentz, R. K., & Woods, M. M. (2009). Using Virtual Worlds in Education: Second Life® as an Educational Tool. Teaching Of Psychology, 36(1), 59-64. doi:10.1080/00986280802529079

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