Post for Module 2

This week I have posted to the following blogs: Martha Thibodeau http://mrsthibodeau.wordpress.com/2011/09/29/advances-in-communication-module-2-post/, Heather Rogers http://waldeneducationaltechnology.blogspot.com/2011/09/module-2.html and Vida Martin http://vidamartin.wordpress.com/2011/09/29/collaborative-interaction-in-distance-education/.

Elements of Distance Education Diffusion

According to George Siemens, distance education in today’s corporate and educational settings has become accepted because of three elements: global diversity, communication, and collaborative interaction. These three elements provide a more effective learning experience. In my opinion, communication is one element that has truly evolved.

Key technological advances have played an important role in communication. The use of cell phones, Skype, and social media outlets has changed the way we communicate with one another. We are able to communicate more effectively and efficiently with one another when we use any one of these communication tools. Communication is essential in distance education because instructors and students are interacting daily with people all over the world. These new technological advances in communication have really helped increase the popularity of distance education.

In Kimberly Arlia’s blog post,  http://amusingmoose.wordpress.com/, she referenced the history of communication. I found it interesting to see the many different changes in the way we communicate with one another.  I agree with her statement that “communication has enhanced the way we learn”.

In another blog from Kristy Burrough, http://kristy-burrough.blogspot.com/, she mentioned the importance of communication and feedback from instructors and students. It is extremely important to have a clear method of communication in distance education. Having the essential communication tools will enable the success of a distance education program.

Siemens, G. (2008). The future of distance education. In Laureate Education, Inc. (Publisher), Principles of distance education. [DVD].

Post for Module 1

This week I posted to the following blogs:  http://vidamartin.wordpress.com/2011/09/14/hello-world/ and http://sarahtblack.blogspot.com/2011/09/next-generation-of-distance-education.html.

The Next Generation of Distance Education

I think distance education should be evolved to the next generation because of the benefits it has to offer. Distance education provides flexibility, convenience, and no travel costs. However, there are a few drawbacks to distance education as well. There is no social interaction between you and your classmates, there is no face-to- face instruction, and one needs strong time management skills.

After reading the articles by Moller, Foshay, Huett, & Coleman (2008) and Simonson (2000), I agree with their positions about distance education. “Distance learning is rapidly becoming a popular choice for continuing professional education, mid-career degree programs, and lifelong learning of all kinds” (Moller, Foshay, & Huett, 2008, pg. 66). I agree with the authors that distance education instruction needs to be well developed and designed.

Of course, there are concerns when it comes to distance education. Michael Simonson (2000) states “online students and those in face-to-face classes learn in fundamentally different environments”. He goes on further to say that distance learners should have “different but equivalent learning experiences” (Simonson, 2000, pg. 29). Simonson’s equivalency theory sets the foundation for distance education. “Equivalency is achieved through a variety of learning experiences that are tailored to the environment and situation in which students find themselves” (Simonson, 2000, pg. 30).

If designed and developed properly, distance education will evolve into the next generation.
According to Simonson (2000) “the teacher of online instruction should provide a wide collection of activities that make possible equivalent learning experiences for students using an approach that recognizes the fundamental differences between learners distant and local” (pg. 34). The benefits of distance education outweigh the negatives and this is why I feel distance education should evolve to the next generation.

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. Retrieved from: http://ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/pqdweb?did=1607549341&sid=3&Fmt=6&clientId=70192&RQT=309&VName=PQD

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. Retrieved from:  http://ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/pqdweb?did=1607894971&sid=4&Fmt=6&clientId=70192&RQT=309&VName=PQD

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: K-12). TechTrends, 52(5), 63–67. Retrieved from: http://proquest.umi.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/pqdweb?did=1608653391&sid=2&Fmt=6&clientId=70192&RQT=309&VName=PQD

Simonson, M. (2000). Making decisions: The use of electronic technology in online classes. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 84, 29–34. Retrieved from: http://ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=9179014&site=ehost-live&scope=site