If we take a look at the history of Distance Learning we see that it has already come a long way. Here is a visual of the history of Distance Learning and some factors which will drive it forward in the future.
In this blog post I’d like to address ...
What may be the perception of Distance Learning in the future?
How can Instructional Designers champion the movement for improving societal perceptions of Distance Learning?
How can I as an individual be a positive influence for the continuous improvement of DIstance Learning?
What may be the perception of Distance Learning in the future? I conducted interviews with this very question in mind. Below are the questions I posed and the table has the responses I received.
My Approach:
I decided to interview 3 diverse individuals. Each has had some level of online learning experience.
- My business partner: A 60+ male, took a certification course (4 classes)
- My niece: A 22 year old recent graduate, has extensive online learning experience
- A client: Female, late 30s, HR Director, engineering industry, took one online course for certification points and to research for corporate implementation
Questions:
- When you were researching online degree/certification programs what was the most important feature to you?
The faculty, curriculum, the schools distance learning expertise, the classroom setup, convenience/flexibility, the website layout, or the information provided on the web site, other?
- What were the challenges you encountered when researching online learning institutions?
- How may you incorporate online learning in your business/career?
- What advise for time management or study tips might you offer to new online learners?
- How would you rate your online learning experience? Did you get the learning value you expected?
| Male/Business Consultant 60+ | Female/recent grad - 22 | Female/HR - late 30s |
| 1. Ease of website use & Cost | 1. Esthetics of web site, collaboration tools, Flexibility | 1. Reputation of the school, curriculum & cost |
| 2. Took too long and I could not easily find information...too embedded | 2. Finding the time and getting information about customizing a program | 2. Finding information on technology needed,pre-requisites, corporate programs and discounts |
| 3. I know I should incorporate this into my business practice, however I think I’ll save that for my younger associates | 3. You mean how DO I incorporate. I do everything online...I’d be lost without it. I can work full time at my first job while still pursuing a true career position and needed skills online | 3.I’d like to think that here at ABC company we could utilize some sort of blended learning strategies or offer our fast track employees some education online but I’m not sure the perception here will support an online approach. I do not believe the leadership sees a value. For me personally, I keep my professional certification points updated at my professional organization meetings & education sessions. I really do not have much time for other courses right now. |
| 4. You better be good at managing your time and have strong study skills. It does take a good amount of time! |
You will also need a support system, like a roommate who will run an errand for you if needed or make dinner when you have a hot deadline | 4. I believe to be truly successful with online programs you better have great time management skills, however the biggest factor I had to deal with was motivation (or lack there of) I guess I was not very engaged. |
I do believe I got the value of what I was there to learn, but I do not believe that it is practical to think that learners will apply the learnings without constant follow up |
I think the value of online learning is great and I find the collaboration during the courses is so helpful. I still keep in touch with students from previous classes to share ideas, ask questions and just socialize |
I think the value can be there for some learners. Online learning to me is a value, but not for everyone |
Summary of interviews:
I was not surprised by the answers I received from any of my interviewees. I had a pretty good idea that I would witness a separation in perspective with regard to generations, level of work experience and online learning experience.
My 60+ is getting ready to retire, has worked his entire career in traditional learning settings and has had limited, though pretty positive, online learning experience. Hence, he sees a business value and need, but is good with letting others implement and participate.
My 22 lives for technology and a collaborative format...say no more!
My late 30s is career driven, needs job security to help support the family and save for retirement, has a corporate reputation to uphold, so may not want to take too many risks ( new learning strategy?)
Reflection: I believe we will continue to see an increased interest and use of distance learning strategies. I also believe that most of the drive will come from our generation X and Ys. In the multi media clip Dr. Seimens points out the 3 areas that are and will continue to grow with regard to Distance Learning. These are; Universities, Government and Corporate. My observation is that corporate will be the last area to truly embrace and understand the value of Distance Learning. I attribute this observation to my own experience and with the ever changing business environment.
How can Instructional Designers champion the movement for improving societal perceptions of Distance Learning? When we discuss perceptions of DIstance Learning I believe we are also discussing VALUE. If we as Instructional Designers can communicate and demonstrate the value of Distance Learning, then I believe we can improve the societal perceptions of DIstance Learning.
The article, Academic fidelity and integrity as attributes of university online degree program offerings. Gambescia, S., & Paolucci, R. (2009). provides great insight into how DIstance Learning has been marketed to target audiences. I order to improve societal perceptions of Distance Learning we need to consider the demographics of our target audience, market to each according to their motivational needs and ensure that we offer quality and value in all Distance Learning formats.
How can I as an individual be a positive influence for the continuous improvement of Distance Learning? Here are a few strategies that I currently employ when broaching the subject of Distance Learning with my clients and prospects.
- Know your audience - age, current learning strategies in place, experience with Distance Learning, potential motivational factors and industry trends
- Educate yourself on trends and benefits of DIstance Learning
- Educate your clients
- Keep it simple and practical
- Engage the client in an open discussion about Distance Learning and value to them and there organization
- Incorporate plenty of multimedia and interactivity into all marketing pieces - be sure to hit all the learning styles
- Share success stories
- Offer to conduct an online educational session for leadership teams
- Give a speech or facilitate a round table discussion at one of your professional organization meetings
- Lead by Example
Resources
Gambescia, S., & Paolucci, R. (2009). Academic fidelity and integrity as attributes of university online degree program offerings. Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, 12(1).
Schmidt, E., & Gallegos, A. (2001). Distance learning: Issues and concerns of distance learners. Journal of Industrial Technology, 17(3).
Retrieved from http://atmae.org/jit/Articles/schmidt041801.pdf
Video Program: “The Future of Distance Education”
George Siemens provides insight into the reasons for the growing acceptance of distance education and where it might be headed in the future.
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