DEFINING DISTANCE LEARNING

For this week's assignment we were to give our own definition of distance learning. My first experience with distance learning was in the late 1980's, it was a correspondence course. I would do my coursework, mail in the completed lessons and my grades would be mailed back to me. Times have certainly changed. While working on my Bachelor's degree I went the traditional route- a classroom. Now I am getting my Master’s degree through the online courses at Walden University.

My previous definition of distance learning was pretty simple. I defined it as learning that is achieved from a distance through telecommunications. But after reading and viewing this week's resources I have come to find out that the definition of distance learning is much more in-depth than my definition. Distance learning can mean so things to so many people.

Distance learning has been defined as an institutionally based, formal education where the learning group is separated, and where interactive telecommunications systems are used to connect learners, resources, and instructors (Simonson, Albright & Zvacek, 2012). This definition basically encompasses what distance learning is composed of. But the definition can be broken down even more. There are four components of distance learning. The components are:  it is institutionally based, there is separation of teacher and student, there is interactive telecommunications, and finally there is the concept of connecting learners, resources, and instructors (Simonson, 2012, et al).

My revised definition of distance learning is: formal education achieved by geographically separated learners via various modes of telecommunications. Today the internet is the most common form of telecommunication regarding distance education. Most classroom communities are now online, students and instructors can email each other, and face to face contact with a fellow student or instructor is readily available through Skype.

To most people distance learning is commonly related to the educational system. In our readings for this week, distance learning was discussed in the areas of industry and training. In my present job, online training is used to get re-certified in various areas pertaining to our job. We do the training at our workstation, which is convenient.

Although distance learning is becoming more and popular Simonson (n.d.) states that it will not replace traditional schools, but that it will become incorporated into most learning environments. Some people prefer the traditional classroom rather than distance learning. As noted by respondents in a study conducted by Schmidt & Gallegos (2001), classmate interaction is important. The sharing of ideas helps in the understanding of the course material. I believe that distance education will continue to be relevant option for learners, but I don’t think it will ever replace the traditional classroom.

References

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (n.d.). Distance education: the next generation. [Video Podcast]. 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_3467554_1%26url%3D
Schmidt, E., & Gallegos, A. (2001). Distance learning: Issues and concerns of distance learners. Journal of Industrial Technology, 17(3).
Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2012). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (5th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.