Sunday, March 3, 2013

Reflection



Distance learning is gaining in popularity and its reputation is gaining in respect.  5-10 years ago, many were hesitant and 10-20 years ago distance learning was primarily through correspondence.  Reflecting back upon the history of distance learning, I can only predict that it will continue to improve in quality and popularity.
I earned my Bachelor of Arts in 2001, only a dozen years ago.  At that time, I had never heard of distance learning or online learning.  It is 2013 and I am only a few courses away from earning an MS in Instructional Design and Technology from Walden University. 
In 5-10 years from now, I foresee a high number of individuals being involved in distance learning through professional development through their jobs.  In 10-20 years, I envision distance learning being at the forefront of professional certifications, graduate degrees, and gaining strides in public education.
Washington State recently passed legislation allowing charter schools.  OSPI(The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction) has made several statements encouraging school districts to develop their own online programs, rather than funneling students via a waiver process to for-profit organizations affiliated with a few school districts state-wide.  The timeline may be within the 5-10 year range for most large school districts within the state to establish distance learning programs.  Within the next decade, I would be surprised if there are not several distance learning charters available to Kinder-12th grade students. 
The pace of changes in technology is rapid.  20 years from now is as incomprehensible to me as the present was to me a dozen years ago.  Considering the ever increasing demands for flexible schedules and a need for programs that span a multitude of locations, distance education will only gain in popularity and enrollments will skyrocket.  Time will improve programs and distance education will branch into most disciplines if not to all at least to some extent.  Employers will observe firsthand the benefit of distance and online learning and will not only recognize degrees as reputable but will also integrate distance learning for employees for professional development.  The distance learning experience in 20 years may be barely recognizable to what it is now.  We are pioneers in an unsettled territory and future generations will improve upon our discoveries and journey.   Distance education is undergoing an evolution of sorts and we can only guess at what it will be two decades from now.  If anything, I think we will underestimate its potential.  However, distance education will persevere and prove that innovation can and will change the face of education forever.

References

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2012). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (5th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.



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