A Personal Reflection on Distance Learning

Distance learning has changed how we approach education, whether K-12, homeschooling, higher education, or work training development. Distance learning can be defined as "institution-based, formal education where interactive telecommunications systems are used to connect learners, resources, and instructors" (Simonson et al., 2012, p.32). Terms that are often associated with distance learning are e-learning, virtual education, and online learning. For instance, e-learning is typically associated with distance education in the private sector, while online learning is more common in higher education settings. Lastly, virtual education is frequently used to refer to distance education in K-12 education (Simonson et al., 2012). My experience with distance learning comes from both a student and instructor perspective. As a student, I had heard the term "online learning" before I began, and as I am working through my online program for my Masters’s degree in instructional design. As an instructor, however, I have heard and used "e-learning" and "distance learning" more regarding remote learning.       

As a student, the flexibility and accessibility of participating in an online program have presented both advantages and challenges for me. One advantage is that distance learning has allowed me to pursue a Master's degree online while being able to work full-time. This has allowed me to study and work both in the comfort of my own home and in my office. I have the freedom, so to speak, to create a schedule that suits my needs based on work, running, family, and school priorities. This can be a challenge at times trying to balance everything, especially when life hits with unexpected situations. However, I do have the ability to make changes to my schedule at my own free will. In addition, the availability of online resources and discussion boards has enhanced my learning experience even though I am not learning the materials face-to-face (Moller et al., 2008). Lastly, I can learn the materials at my own pace and can revisit any of the course materials whenever I need to. 

Teaching distance education courses has advantages and challenges for me as an instructor. In terms of both a student and instructor perspective, the lack of face-to-face interaction between students and instructors can make it hard to stay engaged with the course. As a student, I miss working in groups with other classmates and talking about the course or any issues I may have with a homework lesson. In addition, if I have a problem with the course material, I can not directly ask in person as soon as I realize I have a question. I can email the questions; however, sometimes, I feel like I am troubling the professor by sending an email. 

As an instructor, a challenge of distance learning is the amount of time and work that goes into creating a course and the modules(Moller et al., 2008). Due to the lack of social interaction, I put more time and energy into my online course than my face-to-face course because I want to make sure everything is ready for the students at the beginning of the course and that the tools that I provide allow students to feel engaged with me and the materials.  

This week, I have explored learning resources for distance learning and have realized that the definition of distancing learning includes more than videos, lectures, discussion boards, and online quizzes and exams. Distance learning is expanding with the advances in technology and can include the use of artificial intelligence (AI), mobile learning, virtual reality, and gamification (Bouchrika,2024). In addition, distancing learning is not only for those in education but for organizations that promote further education and training development (Moller et al., 2008). From the resources and what I have learned this week, distance learning is an educational process that allows learners to engage in coursework and/or training remotely through an online platform. It gives the instructors the ability to utilize a variety of digital tools and resources to facilitate learning. It gives learners flexibility and accessibility to access education or training from anywhere and anytime. As I continue my journey toward a Master’s in instructional design, I am excited to see how instructional designers approach distance learning and the best practices when it comes to creating courses for learners. 

References:

Bouchrika, I. (2024, October 24). 10 Online Education Trends: 2023 Predictions, Reports & Data | Research.com. Research. https://research.com/education/online-education-trends

Huett, J., Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Coleman, C. (2008).The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web (Part 3: K12). TechTrends, 52(5), 63-67.

Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web (Part 1: Training and development). TechTrends, 52(3), 70-75.

Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web (Part 2: Higher education). TechTrends, 52(4), 66–70.

Simonson, M., Zvacek, S., & Smaldino, S. (2019). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (7th ed.) Information Age Publishing.

o   Chapter 2, "Definitions, History, and Theories of Distance Education" (pp. 31-42 only)