My personal definition of distance learning, before beginning this course, was fairly basic. I defined distance learning as a learning environment where the instructor is not physically present with the student. That broad definition could mean the student is learning simultaneously with the instructor (synchronously) through some sort of communication media or independently at a separate time from the instructor, but has an instructor to ask questions to and ask for guidance. My definition comes from being both a student and a teacher in a distance learning environment. I have taught both synchronously and asynchronously, as well as having been a student in both of those environments.
This week, I discovered the definition as presented in the text. “…an institution-based, formal education where the learning group is separated, and where the interactive telecommunications are used to connect learners, resources and instructors” (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, & Zvacek, 2009). This definition is clearly more complete than my definition. I think it is important that the definition include the term “institution-based” to add credibility to the learning. The words “formal education” suggests that the education is of high quality and to indicate that technology is used to connect learners and resources and to assist students are all very important components of that definition. (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, & Zvacek, 2009) Going forward, this definition will be a major influence and provide much needed guidance in my professional life.
As far as a revised definition, I must borrow from the definition from the text. The revised definition might read as follows: Distance learning is instruction that is delivered remotely to students whereby the instructor is not physically present with the student, it is delivered from a formal educational institution through the use of technology and where the necessary resources are made available to the student. Now that I have read my revised definition, I think it might be best to use the text book definition.
Mind Map
Mind Map
As technology evolves, I envision the future of distance learning to be strengthened by better instruction, a better understanding of the factors required for students to be successful in a distance learning environment and more access to high speed Internet. However, I believe that there will be a time whereby the students affected by the digital divide will increase before decreasing and that increase may be compounded by downward trends in unemployment. We may be in that phase now. In the article, Digital Divide Is a Matter of Income, Wayne wrote that only 57% of the poorest have access to the Internet at home. The article also cited a lack of other important technologies such as cellphones, computers and other electronic devices. (Wayne, 2010)
Wayne also went on to say, “However, while there is relatively little disparity across income brackets for consumption of television and print news sources, the richest households are more than twice as likely as the poorest to read online news”. (Wayne, 2010) With access to real time information, I wonder if the digital divide will have an impact on the readiness of distance learning students. The divide may not just be access to the information, but rather the skills gained by having that access.
In conclusion, I feel that the definition of distance learning will continue to evolve and change, but that the basis of the definition will remain the same. The definition will most likely change as emerging technologies are stabilized and new technologies emerge. Although the digital divide may never be completely corrected, more economical methods of delivery may evolve. Students with more advanced skills will most likely tend to be more successful in distance learning educational settings. Primarily because of the skills that are developed by having access to the Internet and technology.
References
Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2009). Teaching and Learning at a Distance. Allyn & Bacon.
Wayne, T. (2010, December 12). Digital Divide Is a Matter of Income. Retrieved March 5, 2011, from The New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/13/business/media/13drill.html?_r=1
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