There is a definite need to evolve distance education to the next level because of all the new technology that has emerged. The learning is always going to change and evolve with respect to the technology at hand. When you first started out with distance education, you probably just had the interactions via email, and then it evolved to text messages/chat rooms, and now we can actually hold group discussions on SKYPE where everyone can see one another.
Dr. Simonson states that “instruction for distance education should not be equal to the instruction in a face to face setting but the learning outcome should be equivalence” (Simonson, 2010). Again – this comes down to what the learner is actually there to gain- in an online setting, the learner is predominantly responsible for their learning, because the teacher is not constantly there to observe and make sure you are doing your work. If you don’t do it, then it’s on you. You will reap what you sow!
References:Ally, M. (2008). Foundations of educational theory for online learning. In Anderson, T. (2nd ed.), The theory and practice of online learning (pp. 15-44). Edmonton, AB: Athabasca University Press.
Anderson, T. (Ed.). (2008). The theory and practice of online learning. (2nd ed.). Edmonton, AB: Athabasca University Press.
Palloff, R. M., & Pratt, K. (2005). The role and responsibility of the learner in the online classroom. Retrieved from http://www.uwex.edu/disted/conference/Resource_library/proceedings/03_24.pdf
Simonson, M (2010). Equivalency theory. Laureate Education, Inc. Retrieved from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=4715750&Survey=1&47=6964410&ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1
