Distance Learning

I always believed distance learning to be exactly what I am doing with my studies at Walden University; pursuing a degree at a distance through an online environment. My definition of distance learning was limited to education offered by an accredited educational institution. I believed distance learning to be a relatively new concept (less than 30 years) only to find out through course readings that it has existed since the 1800's.

In the 1800's distance learning was offered via mail correspondence, 1960's via telephone, 1970's via videotape, 1980's via satellite TV and online courses through the use of DOS (Disc Operating System), and the 1990's via the virtual classroom (which is what I related my definition to). So while it may be difficult to totally define distance learning, I define it as learning away from the traditional classroom.

To me distance learning was synonymous with e-learning and on-line learning. However, I defined it as being related to higher education, or at least associated with an accredited institution. Yet in my own work environment we offer online continuing education (aka e-learning) through our Learning Management System (LMS). So do we all define distance learning interchangeably with e-learning and online learning? Maybe this is why it is difficult to define distance learning or decide on a theory of how to practice and research distance education. (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright and Zvacek, 2009; pg. 57)

Now this brings into question another concept; is distance learning different from web-based training? Webopedia.com associates distance learning with providing college-level education and web-based training with business training. But when looking at the definition of web-based training it is similar to the definition of distance learning, leading me to stay with my initial belief that distance learning is synonymous with e-learning, online learning and now web-based learning.

I now look at distance learning as any learning at a distance from the instructor. I do not think my definition is much different from my original thought, just more defined and I now realize it is not restricted to just an educational institution but any learning environment. In addition, the method of distance learning can vary; it can take place via mail correspondence, telephone, video conference, Internet, videotape, web-based, discussion board, etc. I think Hilary Perraton sums it up quite well by defining distance learning "as an educational process in which a significant portion of the teaching is conducted by someone removed in space and/or time from the learner. (Simonson et al, pg. 33)

Distance learning will continue to evolve just like anything. More and more colleges will offer distance learning making it easier to study abroad without travelling abroad and meet the changing needs that has come with globalization. They will have the ability to attract students who otherwise would not be able to attend the traditional educational environment due to personal/economic factors. Distance learning will provide 24/7 education to a diverse population. Traditional corporate training will move to distant learning as it is more cost effective. What is yet to be seen is how distance learning will advance and change, i.e. mobile learning, to continue to meet the demands of our ever changing environment.

References:

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

Dr. Simonson Video Presention: "Distance Education: The Next Generation"

http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/D/distance_learning

View the Future of Distance Learning Video from the Digital Learning 2010 Virtual Conference
http://youtu.be/xIfrlF7LPoY