The Future of Distance Learning

Distance learning has changed over the course of time. What it is now is not what it will be in 5-10 years nor what it will evolve into in 10-20 years. The reason for a constant flow of change is attributed to the ever changing technology of multimedia.
Distance education continues to gain creativity and the growth shows in the data from Dr. Simonson. He said that 80% of education is distance education. It is no longer a simple watch this video and take a test from home idea. Distance education is more interactive, and creative through virtual schools and collaborative networks. The communication levels are high utilizing all types of media to connect, motivate, collaborate, and accommodate for effective learning (Simonson, 2011).

All rolls can benefit from the exciting platform of distance education; the student who enrolls in a distance learning course, the instructor, as well as the instructional designer. Dr. Simonson in Theory and Distance Learning explains how distance learning is not identical to face to face education, however it is equivalent. Dr Simonson gives an analogy of 2 geometrical shapes, a circle and a square. They obviously are not the same just like that of face to face and distance learning, however they do resemble each other in getting the identical learning experience (Simonson, 2011). This learning experience, through the theory of Interaction and communication, utilizing the right form of media or a combination of multimedia, will only benefit the students, instructor as well as the designer in a distance learning course.
Utilizing multimedia in Instruction can make learning come alive so as to gain interest and connect with the learner. Instruction should be fun and creative. It should motivate students. If Instructional designers and instructors incorporate multimedia into instruction regularly they can assure retention in learning. According to MacArthur Foundation “Digital media are changing the way young people learn, play, socialize, and participate in civic life”(MacArthur Foundation) There needs to be a cohesiveness between the two, or a relationship, so as to design a solid foundation.

Resources:

MacArthur Foundation. Exploring Digital Media and Learning. 2011. Retrieved on Sept 14, 2011 from: http://www.macfound.org/atf/cf/%7BB0386CE3-8B29-4162-8098-E466FB856794%7D/DML_BUFF_MARCH_2011.PDF

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., Zvacek, S. (2009). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of Distance Education (4th ed.).