Reflection

Reflection

Dr. George Siemens talks about the increasing role of technology and new communication technology in distance education (Siemens, n.d.). I think this will be one of the ongoing perceptions of distance learning. There is a perception that technology is viewed as making learning easier to do/accomplish. Technology really is just a different way of learning the same content that’s learned in a traditional classroom. Other perceptions that will not fade in the coming years are the lack of face-to-face interaction between the instructor and the student and the quality of education at online universities. “Online degrees are just as credible because these programs must prove the same level of academic standards required of their brick-and-mortar peers in order to qualify for accreditation, a voluntary form of self-regulation and peer review that ensures quality and educational excellence (unknown n.d.).”

As an instructional designer one of the key components to help influence perception about distance learning is effective use of the Theory of Equivalency, which states that distance education is not identical to face-to-face education, but is equivalent. There will always be a perception that distance education is not equal or valued the same as a traditional classroom. I can, as an instructional designer ensure that in my analysis, design, development and implementation that the instruction is equal to the same instruction the learner would receive in a traditional classroom.  I can successfully accomplish this through activities and applications in my instruction.  The learner will get the content; the heart of an online course is activities that make the content come alive (Piskurich n.d.). As an instructional designer in a corporate learning environment I’ll need to create sound and practical online instruction. Distance education benefits corporations by allowing them to interact with different offices around the world (Siemens, G. n. d.).  

To be a positive force for continuous improvement in distance  education means to me not only exceeding my clients expectations for online courses that enhance learning and communication for other team members but also creating a foundation for each and every online course I develop. That means not compromising on the activities, collaboration just for the sake of speed to market or speed to development. This allows me create sound instructional design that makes a difference in my work space that continues to evolve.

References:

Piskurich, G. (n.d.). Facilitating Online Learning. Retrieved June, 24, 2012. https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_549515_1%26url%3D

Siemens, G. (n.d.). The Future of Distance Education. Retrieved June 24, 2012 from: https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2F%09webapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_5495%0915_1%26url%3D

Unknown, (n.d.). Online Degrees Gaining in Acceptance Among Employers- But concerns Remain. Retrieved June, 22,2012. http://www.elearners.com/articles/all-posts/how-employers-view-online-degrees/