Where do I see Distance learning in 5-10 years?
I
believe that as time goes on Distance leaning will continue to grow and that it
will replace face-to face learning as the standard. Even now the Department of
Defense is spending millions of dollars to convert trainings once only taught
in person to distance learning modules (Journal of Military Learning ,2022). This
shows distance learning as an effective means of teaching students. Because as
we all know the government is the last to adopt any technology. Distance learning
will become the predominate way of instruction in the future as well because of
cost. Distance learning is cheaper because it doesn’t require a campus or
building to be taught. As we see the price of things increase and inflation
continue to rise providing effective training at lower cost will become very
important.
How can you as an instructional designer be a
proponent for improving societal perceptions of distance learning?
Instructional designers are pivotal in the acceptance
of distance learning. By using sound instructional design theories and practices
they can show that distance learning can be as effective as face- to-face learning
or better. Instructional designers must take the time to develop learning that
will harness students’ attention and motivate them (Zhang & Lockee, 2022). This means staying up to date on
emerging technologies and not just creating death by PowerPoint presentations. As
instructional designer it is our role to push the envelope of instruction
strive to make what is good today great tomorrow.
How will you be a positive force for
continuous improvement in the field of distance education?
For me I will continue as a Captivate
developer to push the boundaries of the software I use to create immersive distance
learning modules. I will also always fight for instruction that is educationally
sound even if it means pushing back on short product deadlines and hard to work
with SME’s. As an instructional designer I must produce instruction that is instructionally
sound as well as being creative. This at times can be a burden when fighting
the lets just get it done and fix it later that a lot of customers that I have
seen because they don’t understand Distance learning.
References
Journal of Military Learning, 4(2),
1–112. Retrieved September 20, 2022, from
https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Portals/7/journal-of-military-learning/Archives/October-2020/OCT-20-JML-Book.pdf#page=93.
Zhang, Q., & Lockee, B. B. (2022). Designing a
Framework to Facilitate Metacognitive Strategy Development in Computer-Mediated
Problem-Solving Instruction. Journal of Formative Design in Learning.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s41686-022-00068-y
