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].