In the video program Dr. Simonson stated that distance education will grow but will not replace traditional schools and predicted that eventually distance education will become incorporated into most learning environments. Because distance education will become so prevalent, Dr. Simonson stated that distance education and face to face education should have the same learning outcomes but that distance education should provide equivalent learning experiences to meet those outcomes (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008).
Moller, Foshay and Huett (2008) stated that distance education would become mainstream and quoted the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) figures from 2004 that predicted a 300% increase in the number of students who would receive this educational delivery method. Most of the development work in distance education is done by faculty members with no experience in instructional design and they adopt the related materials that worked in their traditional classroom and put it on the web. This is known as the "craft approach". Unfortunately, models of classroom delivery and online delivery are not the same, so one can see how the craft approach will not lead to many positive results.
Huett, Moller, Foshay, and Coleman (2008) stated that distance learning is one of the fastest growing areas for K-12. The No Child Left Behind Act warrants the need for qualified online teachers for site-based distance learning to instruct students in areas where there is a teacher shortage or overcrowded schools.
These are just a few of the reasons that I believe distance education should be evolved for the next generation. I agree with the positions of Simonson, Moller, Huett, Foshay, and Coleman.
References:
Huett, J., Moller, L., Foshay, W. & Coleman, C., (2008, September/October) The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the Web (Part 3: K12). TechTrends, 52(5), 63-67.
Laureate Education, Inc. (2008). Distance education: The next generation. Baltimore: Author.
Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008, July/August). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the Web (Part 2: Higher Education). TechTrends, 52(4), 66-70.
