Distance Learning or On-line learning is a growing field. My master's was completed entirely as an On-line learning experience and my oldest daughter completed high school with on-line curriculum due to health issues, so I have experienced on-line education in different ways. I have experience online classes that were basic ones where the students watched a video or presentation and then took a quiz, to classes that were interactive in both discussions and much interaction between the participants and the instructors.
One of the biggest complains about on-line learning, is the lack of focus and not meeting the needs. This can happen in a traditional classroom or training. For a well designed learning experience, the instructor has to be familiar with the needs of the learners. This concept is discussed in the three part article, The Evolution of Distance Education: Implications for Instructional Design on the Potential of the Web, by Huett, Moller, Foshay and Coleman (2008). With the how fast the internet is changing and the new technology and web sites and how technology minded younger students are becoming, distance education needs to change with the time.
There are many advantages to distance learning for both business and schools. Many business are looking toward distance learning because it can be a cost savings for them. The ability to have the training on-line means that employees can access the training at a time when it is advantageous for them. This means that the business does not have to be shut down and with the improvement in the speed of the Internet and availability allows the employees to participate in on-line conferences and interact with other participants and not have the traveling expenses. Many of these ideas is discussed by Michael Simonson in Making Decisions: The Use of Electronic Technology in Online Classrooms (2000). It is important that the instructors chose the appropriate resources for the audience.
Kelly I agree that business is making good use of distance education to train their employees. I personally love distance education and always come away feeling like I have learned so much more than I do when I attend face-to-face training. I am wondering when K-12 will realize the not only the cost savings but the educational benefits of using distance education for professional development. Professional development where I teach consists of meeting face-to-face and going over old material. This doesn't really inspire me or anyone else attending these sessions. You stated that the changing internet, websites, and technology require that distance education also change with the times. I agree but I also think this strongly applies to K-12 environments of which many seem to be stuck in the 19th century!
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