Distance Learning Mind Map

Distance Learning and a Vision Towards the Future

A summary of your vision for the future of distance learning as it continues on a path of evolution and change.

Distance learning in the future will be a household word where one or two family members have engaged in distance learning.  It may be for the purpose of career training, academic advancement, or learning a trade.   Educational institutions involved in training and teaching may find distance learning the most economically viable means of educating large numbers of people efficiently.

Benefits of distance learning

Distance learning allows students to learn with their peers while supporting each other.  Students are able to learn any time with the use of their computers.  Learners maintain their individuality, can conduct research to further support their learning experience, and can share knowledge while continuing to build a professional vision of a realistic career.   Study time is flexible, students do not compete against each other, and facilitators of instruction can be reached by phone and/or email.   In our graduate program, we have the opportunity of learning new teaching strategies while complimenting the learning with the use of technology. I like the idea that we have to be motivated and self- disciplined to learn and to progress throughout each course.  Moller et al (2008) stated that classes are scalable, allows for classes to be taught across geological locations, access to the classroom can be done synchronously and asynchronously, pacing can be determined by the student’s level of competence, group interactions can be enhanced, and evaluation tools/modules can be easily implemented.

Components of Distance Learning

Distance learning and on-campus learning have the following similarities:

• A textbook
• An instructor
• Class discussion
• Written assignments
• Quizzes and exams

Revised Definition

In my current course Foundations of Online Learning, I have learned that distance learning is defined as “institution-based, formal education where the learning group is separated, and where interactive telecommunications systems are used to connect learners, resources, and instructors” (Simonson et al, p. 32).  In expanding into this scholarly definition of what distance learning means, my institution is Walden University whose physical campus is located in Minnesota, USA.  As a student, I reside in New York State and although I am physically separated from the campus and my peers, we are connected in our learning as we are registered to take the same course, we interactively communicate by the use of our computers as we have daily access to resources like email, websites, chat rooms, streaming video and web-conferencing have all been used in distance learning.    

Personal definition of Distance Learning

My personal definition of distance learning was incomplete.  I knew a co-worker who received a master’s degree online.  I was very impressed by the fact that he could accomplish a master’s degree while working and not having to travel to a class room.  Additionally, I trained to become a Microsoft Master Specialist and as part as my practice, I would log into the Microsoft site to do my practice work while using my PC.  When I decided to pursue a Masters degree, I looked at community colleges to determine cost, and found them to be out of my range.  Determined, I then looked at online accredited universities and found Walden   University to be affordable and accredited. I had no idea how the process would work.  However, the following factors persuaded me to complete the registration process and to enroll:  learning anytime or anywhere with the use of my desktop or laptop, affordability of tuition, and becoming an integral member of a 21^st century society of learners who would learn how to be scholarly in the field of choice.