The articles by Moller, Huett, Foshay and Coleman and Dr. Simonson both share the same view regarding the potential growth that is expected regarding Distance Education. In the second of three articles, the authors claim that “the growth of online distance learning (elearning) is explosive in almost all sectors”(2008) and in Simonson’s video, he states that “we can expect exponential growth of distance education to continue”(2008). So, both resources used terms that demonstrate expectations of amazing growth potential and expectations, and I concur with this as I have seen the emergence and acceptance of this type of education evolve over a short period of time. Apparently, it is to become part of our lives in every aspect of education and I certainly like the way Dr. Simonson used the word “nurture” in his video as he spoke of the place we are concerning DE. Both resources include reference to the fact that this will be incorporated into our traditional education without replacing it, however the articles go into great detail about the practices and effects on the online educator issues, which I found extremely interesting. The job of an online instructor in a new Distance Education program can be very isolating and some of the problems certainly require adjustments. I agree with their descriptions of these issues and would like to see some of their solutions and suggestions implemented into more online programs. There were some very positive steps toward resolving these issues of adjustment required in an online learning program and I am anxious to see these progressions.
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: K12). TechTrends, 52(5), 63–67.
Simonson, M. (Presenter). (2008). Distance Education: the Next Generation. Laureate Education, Inc.
Hello Karen,
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting that you characterize the articles as giving solutions for realizing the potential of distance education (DE). I found the articles mostly posing questions rather than offering solutions. Do you agree that DE should be the direction that education should go? How will we shift the beliefs and values of our many digital immigrant educators in order to evolve DE to the next generation?
Reference
Prensky, M. (2001). Digital natives, digital immigrants. On the Horizon (9)5. Retrieved from http://www.twitchspeed.com/site/Prensky%20%20Digital%20Natives,%20Digital%20Imigrants%20-%20Part1.htm.
Hi Martha,
ReplyDeleteYou are correct in your comments about the many questions posed, but I really am encouraged by the last couple of pages in this article where the authors offer suggestions to ensure the "highest level of faculty performance". I certainly agree that DE is the right direction for education, but not as a replacement for the face-to-face. Either, or a mix of the two should be available, even for the secondary and high schools.
As for helping shift beliefs and values of the digital immigrant educators, I am optimistic as I can see that many educators are becoming enthusiastic about all of the possibilities! We must continue to be patient and persevere in our efforts to share and collaborate.
Hi Karen,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post. In your analysis of the three articles of distance education discussing current implementations at different levels, how do you see the K-12 sector increasing opportunities for students learning, as well as professional development for teachers? Thank you.
Sincerely,
LeAnn
Karen,
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting how you stated that both articles believe traditional schools will not be replaced with DE. However, both also believe that DE will continue to grow and expand. I have found that teachers fear for their jobs as policies change and innovations are adopted. Do you believe this will become a problem? Do you think classroom teachers will be replaced with DE? Will teachers need to evolve along with DE in order to remain educators?
Sarita