What do you think the perceptions of distance learning will be in the future (in 5–10 years; 10–20 years?)
In 5-10 years, the perceptions of distance learning will focus more on design, development, delivery of instruction, and not so much on location. Currently, distance learning is becoming popular in government, businesses and educational institutions. The government and businesses are utilizing online resources/programs to train and re-train employees new job requirements. Educational institutions are adopting more online courses as well to give learning options for the students. Since technology is a big impact in education and businesses, encouraging students to participate in distance learning is becoming very easy and persuasive. The traditional school curriculums are using more online resources and technology media to teach students how to interact with each other, to complete assessments, and assignments.
I believe that within twenty years distance learning will continue to be the primary communication tool and learning resource for all government, business and educational entities. As of today, these entities are using distance-learning methods such as communicating globally via videoconferencing, interviewing job candidates and exchanging ideas and strategies. Here are two examples from the government and educational areas. Example 1, in the government arena, the State of Michigan Department of Human Services should be completely transition to being an online communication tool between staff and customer because for the past year for persons applying for welfare, medical and food assistance programs all applications and approvals for services are completed online. Example 2, in the educational arena, some Michigan high schools have started transiting to blended learning; teachers are trained to become facilitators for online instruction and the students are becoming more accountable for learning class work. In most schools laptops are a necessity to have in class to complete class work and homework assignments, projects while the teacher monitors progress. Overall, I believe that distance learning is an improved way of communicating, learning and being accountable to become self-regulators.
How can you as an instructional designer be a proponent for improving societal perceptions of distance learning?
According to Howell, Williams, & Lindsay, 2003, the instructional designer needs to implement a collaborative approach with faculty to help development, support, and training of the distance-learning environment to improve their comfort levels and perceptions.
As an instructional designer, I would be responsible for keeping up with the social media networks, current technological resources and applications for improving societal perceptions of distance learning. Ensuring that I am able to collaborate, and design effective visual methods for learners to enjoy using, and understand will gain learners trust. Once their trust and curiosity is gained, the learners will be eager to become active learners, and participants in the distance-learning environment. I believe that using these strategies can assist me with improving societal perceptions of distance learning.
How will you be a positive force for continuous improvement in the field of distance education?
“Knowing the basic principles of instructional design can help to ensure that what is produced serves a necessary purpose, meets the needs of students, is attractive and well organized, is delivered in an appropriate mode, and is continually evaluated and improved” (Morrison, Ross, Kalman, & Kemp, 2011, p. 5).
As an instructional designer, I can ensure that when designing and developing curricula to use as a guide the following conclusions instruction delivered to distance learners that are linked to effectiveness:
· Training in effective instructional strategies is critical for teachers of distance learners (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, & Zvacek, 2009, p. 9)
· Distance education courses should be carefully designed and developed before instruction begins (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, & Zvacek, 2009, p. 9)
· Visualization of ideas and concepts is critical when designing instruction to be delivered to distant learners (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, & Zvacek, 2009, p. 9)
· Adequate support systems must be in place to provide the distant learner with access to resources and services (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, & Zvacek, 2009, p. 9)
· Interaction between the instructor and students and among students must be possible and encouraged(Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, & Zvacek, 2009, p. 9)
· Assessment should be designed to relate to the specific learning outcomes of the instructional experiences(Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, & Zvacek, 2009, p. 9)
Howell, S., Williams, P., & Lindsay, N. (2003). Thirty-two trends affecting distance education: An informed foundation for strategic planning. Retrieved from http://www.westga.edu/~distance/ojdla/fall63/howell63.html
Morrison, G., Ross, S., Kalman, H., & Kemp, J. (2011). Designing effective instruction. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2009). Teaching and learning at a distance:
Foundations of distance education (4th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.
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