My New Distance Learning Definition Mindmap

     It's been awhile since my last post so I'd better catch up.  I'm in a new class at Walden called Distance Learning.  It is covering the meat of why I started this program so I'm looking forward to where this takes me.  With that in mind, let's look at distance learning, just a little.

     Distance learning has been defined differently by different people in the same historical timeframe.  This is due to the way the individual uses distance learning and the technology they employ.  Over time those definitions evolve as technology and the way it is used evolves.  Distance learning was defined by Simonson as “institution-based, formal education where the learning group is separated, and where interactive telecommunications systems are used to connect learners, resources, and instructors” (Simonson, Smaldino, & Zvacek, 2015).  This is the newer definition because it involves telecommunications.  Yet distance learning was around generations before telecommunications. 

     I started taking distance courses about 30 years ago with an electronics correspondence course.  I mailed the lessons in and received feedback by mail.  At that time this scenario was my definition of distance learning (Laureate Education, n.d.).  The military did not afford me the opportunity to go to school full time and online courses were not available as home computers were just starting to become popular.  I took a few college courses in the traditional classroom setting over the next few years and finished an AS degree through a local community college before retiring from the military.

     After retiring I started working for a major forklift manufacturer.  After several years they afforded me the opportunity to take classes towards a degree.  Online courses had come about and advanced quite a bit by then.  The demands of my job made it difficult to take traditional classes but online classes were a good alternative.  The first couple of classes were difficult because I needed to adjust to a self-disciplined study regimen.  After adjustment, they became easier to manage.  I discovered that online classes covered all of the subjects of the degree.  This was most impressive when I took chemistry.  Conducting experiments at home, discussing the results, and comparing notes with classmates changed my definition of distance learning profoundly. 

            Walden University is my latest stopover in the pursuit of a Master’s in Instructional Design.  The format is similar to that of Empire State.  The familiarity has been helpful because the discussions and assignments have followed what I have done in the past.  Technology has been the biggest difference between Empire State and Walden.  I have been using several Adobe programs in the assignments and projects, programs I was unfamiliar with prior to this degree program.  The great advantage with Adobe is that the programs can be used together to form a project.  This is an area I am just scratching the surface of and hope to dig deeper into as the degree program progresses.  Again, my definition of distance learning continues to grow as I employ more technology.

     Technology is the largest factor in redefining my definition of distance learning for the future.  The company I work for has an excellent training department.  The instructional designers (IDs) work with e-online courses, converting existing courses and developing new ones for different groups within the company.  We are looking into developing courses using virtual reality (VR) technology. Currently VR training is available for lift truck operators.  We are designing courses for technicians.  These will allow the tech to point to different parts of the truck to obtain parts breakdowns of those parts.  It will aid the tech in determining the root cause of a symptom.  The overriding motivation behind developing this technology further is economic (Moller, Foshay, & and Huett, 2008).  It can save the technician valuable time in determine and repairing problems with equipment, which will save the company money.  I am glad the company is looking ahead and embracing newer technology as it becomes available.  I look forward to seeing what the future holds beyond these developments.

References

Laureate Education, P. (Producer). (n.d.). Distance Education [Motion Picture].

Moller, M., Foshay, W., & and Huett, J. (2008, May). The Evolution of Distance Education: Implications for Instructional Design on the Potential of the Web. TechTrends, 52(3), 70-75.

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., & Zvacek, S. (2015). Teaching and Learning at a Distance, Foundations of Distance Education, 6th Edition. Charlotte: Information Age Publishing, Inc.