In viewing the video "Distance Education: The Next Generation," I can see why there wold be a need to evolve distance education if critical mass has been reached (Simonson, 2008). When critical mass of any type of product is achieved, people start to look for the next best thing. Now that online education is found to be respectable and has reached many developed countries, we look for ways to perfect or improve what we have already built in distance education.
"The multitude of possibilities outlined in this three part series illustrate that there are opportunities to evolve and to grow the field of instructional design in many directions" Huett, Moller, Foshay, & Coleman, 2008). The possibilities of improving online education are endless, but the goal stated in the three articles were to suit the needs of the learner. In making the online learning more viable to all learners, we must find a way to differentiate learning toward the way people learn. I think that people know if they are visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learners and should have all those options available to succeed in distance education. Some problems for distance education is that people are not disciplined enough to stay on course. "Younger students may be less successful online learners. Cavanaugh et al. (2004) stated that younger students require more supervision, simpler instructions, and a more extensive reinforcement system than older students" (Huett, Moller, Foshay, & Coleman, 2008).
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. http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/ehost/pdf?vid=2&hid=107&sid=e3808034-2dac-4387-8afb-b60b02fd15ba%40sessionmgr103
Simonson, M. (2000). Making decisions: The use of electronic technology in online classes. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 84, 29-34.http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=3476918&Survey=1&47=4723987&ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1
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Hello, My name is Kristin and I am currently in the Edcuational Technology program at Walden University. I teach 4th grade Math in Georgia.
Kristin,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I agree with your statement that the focus should be on the individual learner is correct. Online learning has such potential to meet the needs of individuals as they learn. I enjoy reading posts in this course as it allows me to see how others think and interpret information and I learn from it.
I do wonder though, how do you think a kinesthetic learner's needs could be met in this manner?
George
Kristin, I agree that some distance education learners do not succeed in an online environment. As I read the articles, I wondered about the growing practice of allowing K-12 students to engage in online learning. I can understand using it for credit recovery for students who have no alternative but I think students at the K-12 level need an opportunity to develop social skills in a face to face setting with their peers and for many of them school is the place that provides that opportunity.
ReplyDeleteKristin
ReplyDeleteI finally am able to view your blog. I created another blog site. I had difficulty posting a comment. i happen to agree about younger learners perhaps not being self-motivated enough to complete courses on line. I find from my experience time has to be devoted to be successful in online learning.