Reflection!

What do you think the perceptions of distance learning will be in the future (in 5–10 years; 10–20 years)?

“George Siemens perception of distance learning in the future will be impacted by new communication technologies, contribution by experts around the world, and increased use of multimedia, games, and simulations.  Distance learning seems to be shifting towards the triple helix model of education.” (Laureate Education (Producer). (n.d.).  Today’s learners appeared to have bridged the gap of comfort with technology because they’re growing along with the trending of technology, so distance learning is getting easier and easier to use.  One of the first things today’s teens learn is to text, chat, record audio and download applications on their smartphones, tablets, and laptops.  I’ve seen toddlers already knowing how to navigate to play games and watch movies through Netflix with their smartphones and tablets.  I see the new generation of kids in 5 to 10 years with the knowledge and comfort of distance learning and probably by then technology has advanced, making today’s knowledge obsolete.  Like Siemens mentions “more and more of us are having experiences communicating online.  Growing acceptance of distance education is fueled by the increase in online communication, practical experience with new tools, and growing comfort with online discourse,” (Laureate Education (Producer). (n.d.).  Instructors by then should have the means to use distance learning to create a comfortable environment and communitive with their students. Distance learning depends on how experienced the teachers are or methods utilized by the instructor.

How can you as an instructional designer be a proponent for improving societal perceptions of distance learning?

Instructors approve and disapprove of distance learning, but experience is the important factor in deciding if distance education is worth trying.  In time I want to show my skills as instructional designer by showing my workmanship.

How will you be a positive force for continuous improvement in the field of distance education?

Becoming an instructional designer to be proponent for improving societal perceptions of distance learning is to keep improving by updating my knowledge, communicate with my learners through blogs, wikis, CMS’s and media.  Learn from experts in the field of instructional design, keep my knowledge updated, and use what I’ve learned from Walden University.

Reference

Laureate Education (Producer). (n.d.). The future of distance education [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu