Week 8 reflection

In the discussion forum this week the class was asked to conduct a very informal poll of people they knew concerning their attitudes about distance learning.  The results of my poll showed a growing acceptance of distance learning as an option.  Many of my classmates also reported results that this as well.  After reflection on the discussions of my peers I feel distance learning is currently approaching a tipping point that will alter its perception among learners over the next 5-20 years.

Currently distance learning options seem to be the favored way of continuing education among educators I know.  Some of these programs are completely online and others are a hybrid model.  The most likely attraction of distance learning for working professionals is probably convenience.  Distance learning allows professionals to continue working and balance family and other personal obligations with educational goals.  Technology is a major factor in making distance learning convenient.

By looking at entertainment, we can see how convenience has become a driving force in technology.  In a recent news article, streaming music services have moved music sales past CD’s.  (http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120818/business/708189963/)  Movies and TV shows are watched at an increasing rate through services like Netlfix or through on demand features of cable and satellite services.  The more these services are used, the less novel they are and the more part of everyday life they become.  As our expectations for convenience in entertainment increases, it is logical that it will spill over into other areas of our lives.

This is why distance learning is approaching a tipping point of acceptance.  According to Dr. Siemens in the resources for week eight online communication is increasing.  As a society we are becoming more comfortable with and demanding the convenience online communication offers.  As this movement continues to build and move through society, other areas will adapt it such as businesses and government.  Perceptions are changing and will continue to change and evolve. 

One clear way to be a positive source of continued improvement in distance learning and a proponent of distance learning is adopt the right method or tool for the task at hand.  General criticisms of distance learning have to do with rigor or a lack of interaction.  And to be honest, they are right to a degree.  If you look hard enough, you will find instances that seem to prove that point.  But this is where choosing the right tool or implementing the appropriate method comes into play.  Distance learning will be seen as positive solutions to training and educational problems because of its convenience that people are coming to expect and because it is the right implementation.  Distance learning will continue to grow in use and acceptance because it is convenient and because it delivers what it promises.  As it delivers positive results to more people, it will continue to grow.

Twenty years into the future is a long time and difficult to predict.  But it is safe to assume that distance learning will assume an equal status to traditional methods as long as it is implemented effectively using the best research as a guide and it meets the needs of its learners.  Being considered equal does not mean it will replace.  There will always be a place for traditional learning, but in the future there will be more options for specific needs.