Reflection

           

After reading and studying the course materials for EDUC6135 Distance Learning, I have gained new insight and appreciation for online education. In my opinion, distance learning is more rigorous than traditional face-to-face education. There are always assignments that must be completed and deadlines that must be met and it is up to the student to keep abreast of all of this while utilizing the latest technology.

In a taped interview, Siemens (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010) said that advances in technology, increased online communication, and the growing acceptance of online learning will lead to the proliferation of distance education. Online enrollment tripled from 1998 to 2002 and is expected to grow exponentially as more and more students realize the benefits of distance education (Lichtenberg, 2003).

As discussed by Gambescia & Paolucci (2009), distance learning has many benefits which include convenience for highly motivated, proactive learners, learning the efficient use of student time and resources, as well as location and the ability to choose the time of day to study.

While distance learning is a great tool, it is not for everyone. Distance learning will generally work better for those students who realize that they must generate their own motivation to learn and recognize that their learning experience is ultimately their responsibility (Schmidt & Gallegos, 2001).  For those disciplined learners, this is a tremendous educational opportunity that allows greater schedule flexibility and permits access to many more educational institutions than would otherwise be possible. 

As an instructional designer and a student of distance learning, it is my responsibility to be an ambassador of distance education by continuing to model the excellent education I have received and by committing to dismantle the remaining barriers of bias that some still harbor toward online education and the degrees garnered thereof.  

References

Gambescia, S., & Paolucci, R. (2009). Academic fidelity and integrity as attributes of university

online degree program offerings. Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, 12(1). Retrieved from http://www.westga.edu/~distance/ojdla/spring121/gambescia121.html

Laureate Education, Inc. (2010). The Future of Distance Education [online video]. Baltimore, MD. George Siemens. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_2650920_1%26url%3D

Lichtenberg, J. (2003). Going the Distance. Publishers Weekly, 248(26), 37.

Schmidt, E., & Gallegos, A. (2001). Distance learning: Issues and concerns of distance learners.

Journal of Industrial Technology, 17(3).

Retrieved from http://atmae.org/jit/Articles/schmidt041801.pdf