Defining Distance Education

Distance learning and education without a doubt is ever-changing.  This makes defining it a daunting task. 

Depending on who you ask or what article you read, you most likely will get a different response each and every time.  For example, I wrote a paper on distance learning/education in my last course.  One article said, “E-learning is often also referred to as “distance learning” or “online learning”.  It can be defined as “the use of internet technologies to create and deliver a rich learning environment that includes a broad array of instruction and information resources and solutions, the goal of which is to enhance individual and organizational performance” (Tufan, 2010).   Thus, prior to starting this course, I thought of it basically any type of learning that takes place online and typically have referred to it as “e-learning”, as that is what my company calls it.   My professor for the Distance Education course I am currently enrolled in quickly corrected me, letting me know that e-learning is one type of distance education/learning, but is not synonymous (Dawson, 2012).

 I cannot say for certain that it depends on one’s profession, experience, and technological know-how, however, if everyone took the distance education course that I am enrolled in, I think they would get a better understanding of how to define it! 

I have designed instruction for a variety of distance learning courses, some I find to be more effective than others.  For example, my ‘live’ trainings in which I train individuals across the country on software via Web Ex and teleconference seem to be quite effective, as I can see the progress my learners are having.  Pre-recorded sessions that my learners access online, however, are more difficult to assess the efficacy, and I am unsure how many learners actually access them.  I most recently started venturing into virtual classrooms.  These are similar to the Web Ex sessions I provide, but I can view multiple learners accessing their software at the same time, verse just sharing one desktop.

My revised definition is, “institution-based, formal education where the learning group is separated, and where interactive telecommunications systems are used to connect learners, resources, and instructors,” (Simonson, p. 32).  This definition is far broader and covers all aspects of the education/learning.

One of the reason’s I chose to pursue this Master’s degree is I believe distance learning IS the future.  The sky is the limit for this type of education, and if designed and delivered properly, it can be as, if not more, effective than traditional classroom training.  Some predict that this type of education could soon become the principle way to educate in the world (Radovic’-Markovic’, 2010). 

References:

Dawson, Rosemary.  Response to discussion post dated June 28, 2012 for Distance Education   class.  Walden University.

Radović-Marković, Mirjana (2010) Advantages and Disadvantages of E-Learning in Comparison

to Traditional Forms of Learning.  Annals of the University of Petroşani, Economics, 10(2), 2010, 289-298.

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2012). Teaching and learning at a distance:   Foundations of distance education (5th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson, p. 32-41.

Tufan, Didem.  (2010). The Effectiveness of E-learning in Corporate Training Programs.   Retrieved May 27, 2012 from http://metu.academia.edu/DTufan/Papers/850914/The_Effectiveness_Of_E-Learning_In_Corporate_Training_Programs_-How_It_Is_Managed_And_Evaluated.