The Future of Distance Learning

Reflection on the Future of Distance Education

What do you think the perceptions of distance learning will be in the future (in 5-10 years; 10-20 years)?

In this Distance Education course we are faced with a decision to use current technological advancement for learning and then teaching. This week after reflection on discussion posts, dialogue on the internet, and reading research articles I find that the decision is not difficult to make. It is most obvious to me that distance learning is here to stay (not just a consideration but a must). In the next 5-10 years we hopefully will have established access to the internet by all nations and all people and capable of providing global standards. After the various issues and problems have been resolved from numerous practices and research each learner will have many more experts that ensure learning institutions are “providing the students with the best possible scenario where learning outcome will be maximized in course development” (Schmidt, E.K. & Gallegos, A., 2001) The internet will be a source of communication that draws us together in a mutual global community of collaboration. In the next 10-20 years various technologies will allow us to solve medical problems such as cancer, heart disease through this global interaction. People who are often intimidated by technology will find computer a familiar part of living and find ease with the use and availability of each connection. At any time during a 24 hour day then we can know the answers for crucial questions. This has shown true with the success of various distance learning universities such as Walden. After interviewing friends and strangers I find that most people want to participate in some type of online learning community. Whether it is in combination, with some face-to-face, synchronous, or asynchronous there are different levels of application of skills and learning.
The multimedia selection given in week eight, “The Future of Distance Education” Dr. Siemens talks about the growing acceptance of distance learning. The reasons he articulates are also written in graphics and text which support his ideas. The importance of online learning has been already experienced in the business world with training modules at the universities, with e-college and undergraduate and graduate course planning, and with the technical communications require for government operations. The “growing sift” in communication technologies has enable learning at a distance convenient and affordable to anyone. Society is much more open then days past and skeptics will soon find that their prophecies of technological doom are more a promise of technological boom!

How can an instructional designer be a proponent for improving societal perceptions for distance learning?

To accomplish this I can continue with studies online by becoming globally informed and nationally wise. If that means learning different approaches using technology then I welcome the change agent needed to realize the promise in my own life and in the lives of those I serve, love and know. Having an open mind and patience to persist with some unknown factors will build the a 21st century character with an expansive mind that embraces cultural and educational differences. I want to bring the Cycles of Distance learning to highest levels of application where all schools are engaged in using technology. As a designer I can be systematic and creative using sound principals of planning and design. With a wide range of references, theories, strategies and methodologies I will have the experiences of many learning, psychological, philosophical and instructional designers to stand on.

According to “Teaching and Learning at a Distance 4 ed. Foundations of Distance Education” (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, & Zvacek, 2009) I believe that learning is now where learning has shifted from “Teacher Centered to Student Centered” and my challenge is to bring education full circle by accepting the “challenge to select methods and teaching that provide learners with enough interaction to keep them on task while encouraging them to explore their learning experiences. Strategies such as problem based learning, collaboration, and discussions work well with asynchronous setting.” (Hung, Tan, & Chen, 2005)

How will you be a positive force for continuous improvements in the field of distance education?

The word “force” is a concept of change. By making a commitment to explore the possibilities, to speak to the immediate needs, and investing my personal time and resource with sound research and design, I can spread a message of hope that reaches beyond my own communities. Through writing, teaching, time and design I can continue with instructional design and education to rebuild new structures of learning through collaboration and continued experiences. Meeting my present level of understandings with future possibilities I can use technology to sustain learners in this 21st century. As written in the Carnegie Commission report from 1986 “Advance technology and the changing terms of international trade which are remolding the basic structure of international economic competition We believe educational systems must be rebuilt to match drastic changes needed in our economy if we are to prepare our children to lead productive lives in the 21st century” (Hochlermer, J., 2001)

As we become comfortable as a result of clever engineering creations and careful educational planning, the thought of separation by teacher and student is not so separate. Siemens comments “We don’t have to be face to face-geographic distance is not that significant.” (Siemens, 2010) With the increase use of media, the” triple helix model quality of interaction have increase in government, universities, and in business. (Laureate, Inc., 2010) Because of my growing interest in computer technologies with applications in distance learning and personal experience with online games, simulations and social networking I find that society has grown in acceptance and I now have the opportunities to collaborate, associate and communicate with other students as well as friends, family, scholars with increase personal and professional interactions. Life is good today, but it can absolutely get better. With technological advancement and acceptance, learning restrictions are removed and with some precaution we can proceed to invent new products, invite online interactions, and enter into a new world with global connections. As the government uses technology to bridge the border of peace, and the universities bridge the gaps of knowledge, the public school sector instills the comfort and plants the beginnings, while business world expands to learn from other worlds and share our worldly resources with connectivity, we can see a brighter day for future growth and possibilities.


Siemens, G. (2010) The Future of Distance Education Laureate, Inc. Baltimore, MD

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S., (2009) Teaching and Learning at a Distance 4th ed. Foundations of Distance Education Pearson Publications New York, NY

Schmidt, E.K. & Gallegos, A. (2001) Distance Learning: Issues and Concerns of Distance Learners National Association of Industrial Technology www.nait.org

Hochhermer, J. (2001) Reading the World Through the Word: The Power of Literacy in a New Media Age College Literature 28 1 (Winter, 2001)