Defining Distance Learning

My former personal definition of Distance Learning is similar to Schlosser & Simonson that there are multiple meanings that range a wide range of media. I do not feel there is one meaning of distance learning. The participant can be small or large groups and includes an instructor. The instructor communicates to the learner with the use of online discussion boards, email, and chat rooms. The range of ways distance learning is interconnection by the electronic devices, technical media, communication, institutions, and online technical resources. It can be a combination of any time of these tools that I defined.

First part of distance learning is the use of electronic devices a learner can use to stay connected to their instructor and fellow learners. The electronic devices iPhone, Laptop, and Apple iPad are a few examples learners can use to stay connected anywhere in the world. These devices have wireless Internet. The learners are able to, “receive instruction that originates from some distance location” (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, & Zvacek, 2009, p. 33). Technical media like audio, print text, and video have given learners over the years a better use of implementing their understanding of distance learning.

I have been involved in distance learning since I was in undergraduate education. My first experience with taking an online course was at the Riverside Community College in California. The course was 16 weeks summer session about “Introduction to Art”. The course is designed similar to the Walden University course. I had to research art paintings, and the exams were multiple choice, essay questions, and matching. At the end of course, we were assign to go to art museums to see the art in person. I found the course to be more interested because I was able to discuss my ideas of art online and go to art museums. I was able to use the course materials and Internet to gather information about artwork.

Compared to my previous experience distance learning I feel it has with the improvement of technology tools. Since my first online course, the increase of online technical resources has helped me stay connected and brain storm ideas more effectively. I created my first Blog and designed a mind maps at Walden University. I learned a lot of information on how to develop a mind map and use RSS Google.

I am currently looking to Distance Learning to aid my coworkers my current profession to help them stay connected to their clients and coworkers. The employees are able to use email and online chats to stay connected to their client. The employees are able to engage their client more efficiently than face-to-face. No matter the institutions a learner can use distance learning to build a strong relationship with their instructor or client.

No matter the technology I implement distance learning the information must be organize in a coherent matter. The information that is presenting must be in, “a manner consistent with how we organized the world conceptually or logically” (Morrison, Ross, Kalman, and Kemp, 2011, p. 140). Technology has dramatically improved and revamped to work for all types of learners. Distance learning is a great way to keep the learners more involved in their education progress.

Katie McColl 

References:

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2009). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (4th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.

Morrison, G., Ross, S., Kalman, H., & Kemp, J. (2011). Designing Effective Instruction (6^th ed.) John Wiley & Sons, Inc.