Distance Education

My very first experience with distance education took place when I registered for an E-learning class back in the summer of 2011. At that time, I needed a few PLU credits to renew my leadership certification. The opportunity to complete a free course, gain knowledge about technology that I could employ in my classroom, all while gaining a PLU was more than enough to convince me to sign up.

Before taking the class, I had no formal teachings on/about distance education. The things that I quickly learned about it was that I did not have to drive on campus to attend the class and I could work in my pajamas. Today, many adults are choosing distance education because of the several benefits. EZtalks list those benefits as greater flexibility, no commuting, significant cost savings, and convenient learning.

With all the above benefits of distance education, I still experienced something I found to be a distraction and quite annoying. Some of the links that were placed within the assignment page, were not active links; therefore, I could not get to some of the resources. Because there was no face-to-face interaction, I had to email my instructor and wait for a response. Waiting for a response was one of the hardest things about distance education. Additionally, most of the classes were course management systems (CMSs). According to Simonson, Smaldino, & Zvacek (2015), “Course management systems (CMSs) were largely places for faculty to place lecture notes and other materials for student study, and for students to obtain those materials , take quizzes, and check their grades, and were very instructor centered” (pp. 110).

As technology progressed, so has distance education. Web 2.0 technologies open the doors of communications for so many teachers and students. Blogging and social networking are great ways to effectively communicate in an online class. These technologies have created a more student-centered approach to distance education. “These technologies have extraordinary potential for education and the kinds of learner-engaging functions that should be incorporated into the next generation of course management systems (Simonson et.al. 2015).

Currently, many people are taking advantage of distance learning. The social media aspect of the classes such as Facebook, allow for more student/teacher interaction as well as the video conferences. Ashley Holloway, a recent graduate describes her experience with distance education. According to Eastep, “The biggest advantage of online education, according to this working professional? Flexibility. “Attending classes residentially does not fit well with the typical work schedule,” she said. “The beauty of distance learning is being able to ‘attend’ class and complete assignments at whatever time of day is most convenient for you.”

As a result of completing E-learning classes online, I began integrating technology in my classroom and saw great results. Technology has become one of my passions; therefore, I enrolled into the Instructional Technology program at Montevallo University. If it were not for distance learning and the advances in student/instructor communication, I would not be able to complete this program.

                                                                   References

Eastep, A. (2015, May) Pressing on toward the goal.  59(4), 68-74.

Eztalks. Advantages and disadvantages of distance learning. Retrieved from https://www.eztalks.com/elearning/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-distance-learning.html.

[Interview Questions]. [2019, January 10]. Disadvantages of online learning [Video File]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2BawDG-NrI.

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., & Zvacek, S. (2015). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (6th ed.). Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing, Inc.
[The skills network]. [2016, May 6]. Advantages of distance learning [Video File]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m-l-QpqxOo.