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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