Before entering an online graduate program I was skeptical about my personal self-discipline and motivation to remain committed throughout the course. It was not because I had tried and failed but because I did not know what to expect, and because I thought without the defined structure of class times I could not meet deadlines for assignments. When I say I did not know what to expect I mean the format of communicating and completing assignments. I was under the impression there would be a virtual classroom similar to using WebEx where everyone would meet once a week to listen to lectures or watch presentations, but to also have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss issues. Then the remainder of the week would be to work on any assignments and to conduct research, and I thought the written assignments would be sent via email. What I liked was the opportunity to stay at home or another place of my choosing to study and the flexibility to study according to my schedule.
My initial thoughts of distance learning were not too far off from what I am now experiencing as an online student. It is true that I spend many hours researching and completing assignments on my own, but I had no idea the virtual classroom was as advanced as it is. At Walden University I learn through the asynchronous discussions with classmates that continue throughout the course. There are videos to watch, articles and books to read, and a library that hosts hundreds of scholarly journals and writings, not to mention all the software links and tutorials. There are sections on the portal to drop assignments and review grades. In other words I am more connected to instructors and classmates because of the various technologies.
Obviously distance learning was not always so collaborative and embedded with different types of media, this has evolved over the years because of the advances in Technology as described in the multimedia program at Walden University (2012). The different mediums used to transfer information and educate distance learners have evolved from mail correspondence to radio to T.V. to telephone to video and finally to the internet. The internet has provided a means to share information quicker and with the advent of Web2.0 and Web3.0 technologies has provided a more collaborative and interactive environment.
The following mind map depicts some of the avenues of distance learning today
My initial thoughts of distance learning were not too far off from what I am now experiencing as an online student. It is true that I spend many hours researching and completing assignments on my own, but I had no idea the virtual classroom was as advanced as it is. At Walden University I learn through the asynchronous discussions with classmates that continue throughout the course. There are videos to watch, articles and books to read, and a library that hosts hundreds of scholarly journals and writings, not to mention all the software links and tutorials. There are sections on the portal to drop assignments and review grades. In other words I am more connected to instructors and classmates because of the various technologies.
Obviously distance learning was not always so collaborative and embedded with different types of media, this has evolved over the years because of the advances in Technology as described in the multimedia program at Walden University (2012). The different mediums used to transfer information and educate distance learners have evolved from mail correspondence to radio to T.V. to telephone to video and finally to the internet. The internet has provided a means to share information quicker and with the advent of Web2.0 and Web3.0 technologies has provided a more collaborative and interactive environment.
The following mind map depicts some of the avenues of distance learning today
As technology continues to evolve I believe distance learning will gain more popularity, as instructional designers continue to research and create elaborate online learning environments. Adult learners benefit from flexible schedules and the ability to access the classroom from anywhere, as well as the opportunity to collaborate with people from various backgrounds and expertise.
In a video on Distance Learning: The Next generation the idea is that this type of learning will continue to grow but not replace traditional schools altogether “distance learning will become incorporated into most learning environments”
References:
Video (2012). Distance Learning Timeline Continuum. Laureate Education, Inc. Retrieved from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=6493363&Survey=1&47=8879441&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=1&bhcp=1
Dr. Simonson, M. (2012). Distance Learning: The Next
Generation. Laureate Education, Inc. Retrieved February 2012, from
http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=6493363&Survey=1&47=8879441&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=1&bhcp=1
