"The Journey Begins"

JLo's Journey Through Distance Learning

JL0’s Journey through finding Distance Learning!

Je’Loni’s personal definition of Distance Learning - is the opportunity to use an online tool to teach curriculum.  Distance Learning is used mostly at the college level for students that are not in a position to get to class for face to face interaction.  Mostly those students that live far from the school, those that work odd schedules, those that work from home or stay home with their children and those that have social issues that may prevent them from being successful in a classroom environment participate in classes online.  The online environment is managed via the school through the student’s portal which is their personal access to their school information.  The portal usually contains access to the actual online course itself, account information, grades and academic resources.  The student must have access to the internet and own a computer.  The student can access their class whenever they choose as long as they follow and meet the expectations of the course.  Once the student has completed the course the student is awarded a grade.

Since I have started the online course Distance Learning this week I have learned so many interesting things in regards to Distance Learning that I didn’t know.  First, I wasn’t aware that Distance Learning has been in existence since 1833 (Simpson 2012).  I didn’t realize that it started with composition, language and civil service exams via mail.  I didn’t realize that mail could be a Distance Learning tool!  A remote tool includes mail, radio, TV and video, phone and now computers.  Distance Learning is also used in environments other than education; companies use Distance Learning tools to train employees.  Distance Learning is also utilized in the k-12 environments to help students with specific focus areas; specifically those students that have challenges in math, reading, and comprehension.  I never considered the cost constraints involved in Distance Learning and the limitations it presents.  Unfortunately, finances are a huge challenge as development costs can be excessive. 

Je’Loni’s new definition of Distance Learning – is the opportunity to use a remote tool to teach curriculum and to provide training opportunities.  Distance Learning is used for all educational levels and used for training employees, students, members, managers etc.  The greatest opportunity that Distance Learning offers is flexibility and several options for delivery.  Students can choose to participate by mail, phone, video or online.  Students can even participate in a Distance Learning activity in a face to face environment.  Once the students have completed the course they are awarded a grade and walk away with achieving the objectives provided by the course.

The future for Distance Learning is just around the corner!  We are now in the age of smartphones and iPads.  Students will eventually be able to access their courses through their smartphone and post discussions.  Soon students will be able to manipulate their courses by using iPads, nooks or other types of electronic storage devices.  Schools will be able to offer the parents and students a choice in face to face interaction or an online or other distance resource in regards to the student attending school.  Students will also have the option to work in a “blended” environment.  They will take some class at the school and some online.  These opportunities can definitely serve as an advantage especially in situations where students have a history of violence and/or demonstrate behavioral issues.  We will see older learners take advantage of the opportunity as well; fulfilling old dreams, seeking new opportunities and learning something new are motivators for the older learner to go back to school.  Distance Learning allows them the comfort of not being in an in class environment where they are self-conscious or intimidated about their age factor.  Distance Learning promotes Learning!

The only challenges I can see at this point, is the fact that as the Distance Learning opportunities grow the more and more we as a society will lack the socialization and interaction that face to face environments bring.  We will become less engaged with one another and less personable.  In some cases we will find ourselves lacking compassion and consideration of others.  On the other hand, these opportunities can bring people together as well as encourage people to be open and state their views and opinions without feeling like their being judged. 

Please share what has Distance Learning meant to you over time?  What does it mean to you now?

Simpson, Dr. (2012). “Distance Learning Timeline Continuum [vodcast].  Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_549515_1%26url%3D
The Infrastruction Network (1997-2008).  Barriers to Learning in Distance Education.  Retrieved from http://www.infrastruction.com/barriers.htm

US Journal of Academics (May 2012).  The Advantages of Distance Learning.  Retrieved from http://www.usjournal.com/en/students/help/distancelearning.html

 

Silver Wings

Hello All,

Welcome to the Instructional Design Blog for Online Learning.  I am Je'Loni Hall, former  Director of Education for Vatterott College - Online Division.  In December of 2011 our organization participated in their accreditation renewal process via ACCSC.  The board determined that with no educational background other than the three degrees I hold; I was not experienced in the area of Instructional Design or Online Learning.  I took on the challenge of going back to school to obtain the graduate certificate in Instructional Design with an emphasis in Online Learning.  I have now changed jobs with my current company as management was afraid our renewal wouldn't be approved due to my current credentials; therefore, I currently am working as the Director of Career Services.  Once completion of this certificate program, it is my plan to go back to the position as Director of Education because I enjoyed working in that job so much.  Thank you for visiting my blog....I hope you continue to stop by!