Distance Learning's Future

 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

                             Best Practices 

Definition of Distance Learning

My personal definition of Distance learning is learning that one does under the supervision of an instructor or teacher but not directly in their presence. The leaning is typically conducted over the internet using some program or software to deliver the instruction.  Student interaction is assessed through the uses of discussion posts or using test or quizzes uses to assess of the student is retaining the taught material.

Before I started my degree path in instructional design, I was more of a SME who instructed. This is a much different role than an ID who created distance learning. Distance learning as to be able to hold the attention of a student with you are being there to refocus the student. You must be able to teach a struggling student a complex task without being to stop and walk them through it step by step.  For me I am taking this class more at the end of my degree path. So, I have a solid understanding of what my thought on what distance learning are. I am working in a position where my job is to create distance learning and for me, I am always learning new ways to improve and make things better.