Reflection on Current and Future Perceptions of Distance Education

My Perceptions of Distance Education in the Future

            I believe, as Dr. Siemens (2010) states, that distance learning is and will continue to increase in acceptance in society.  Research shows that 96% of interviewed gatekeeper employers prefer candidates with a traditional degree over those with an online degree (Adams & DeFleur, 2006, 38).  However, research also shows that workers are now required to have more skills to achieve higher earnings, more careers are requiring postsecondary education, and the unemployment rate is increasing the need for higher education (Betts, Hartman, & Oxholm, 2009, 15).  In 2010, the Sloan Consortium found that enrollment increased 21% from 2009 to 2010 in online education programs, while the overall enrollment in higher education only increased by 2% (Hessen, 2011, Online Education Continues to Grow section, para. 1).  As more professionals participate in and learn that distance education is just as rigorous as traditional education, distance education's reputation for quality should continue to increase.

Instructional Designers as Proponents for Improving Societal Perceptions of Distance Education

            As a proponent for improving societal perceptions of distance education, I will strive to develop methods to adequately evaluate distance education experiences.  To do this, I will always remember to take into consideration quality, needs assessment, return on investment, training and performance support, improving instructional systems design, and revising learning models as necessary (Moller, Foshay, & Huett, 2008a, 71). 

            I will also read and disseminate research on the quality of distance education.  More and more research is proving that distance education provides an equivalent or even superior education (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, & Zvacek, 2009, 8).  By focusing on creating quality online learning experiences and continuing to explore new technologies and instructional opportunities, the public’s perception of distance education will improve as research proves that distance education is just as rigorous as traditional education.

How I Will Be a Positive Force for Continuous Improvement in the Field of Distance Education

            I recognize that, to be a positive force for continuous improvement in the field of distance education, I will also have to commit to continuous improvement in my own professional learning.  Training is essential for the success of distance education.  I will be sure to always update my knowledge and skills.  I will also be an advocate to provide training and support to all online instructors (Moller, Foshay, & Huett, 2008b, 69).

            In addition to training, other considerations that will affect the continuous improvement in the field of distance education include providing an adequate salary and workload for online instructors, giving online instructors intellectual property rights to their work, and providing a fair system for promotion and tenure of distance educators (Moller, et al. 2008b, 69).  In addition, I will advocate for institutions to invest in instructional design experts.  Instructors cannot be expected to do everything if they do not have the technical experience.  By making sure that the focus is on providing quality learning experiences created by experienced professionals, the quality of distance education should continuously improve.

References

Adams, J., & DeFleur, M. (2006). The acceptability of online degrees earned as a credential for obtaining employment. Communication Education, 55(1), 32-45.

Betts, K., Hartman, K., & Oxholm, C. (2009). Re-examining and repositioning higher education: twenty economic and demographic factors driving online and blended program enrollments. Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks, 13(4), 3-23.

Hessen, P.  (2011, Jan. 7).  Distance education helps more students study science.  Retrieved from http://sloanconsortium.org/news_press/january2011_distance-education-helps-more-students-study-science.

Moller, L., Foshay, W. R., & Huett, J.  (2008a).  The evolution of distance education:  Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web (Part 1:  Training and development).  TechTrends, 52(3), 70-75.

Moller, L., Foshay, W. R., & Huett, J.  (2008b).  The evolution of distance education:  Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web (Part 2:  Higher education).  TechTrends, 52(4), 66-70.

Siemens, G.  (2010).  The future of distance education.  Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer).  Video.

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S.  (2009).  Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (4^th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.