The current and future perceptions of online learning can vary, depending on the individuals or group of individuals. Overall, the current perceptions of society are somewhat accepting of distance learning. However, technology and education have intersected. Technology is a means by which educational objectives can be effectively and efficiently met. Online courses and degrees flourish on the internet nowadays. However, they are still somewhat accepted by mainstream society. Perhaps they will more likely to be accepted in the future. There are many needs for more training and education in the job market, and technology through distance learning can deliver that education in an efficient and reliable manner. Perhaps when the triple helix model of education (Siemens, n.d.) where universities, businesses, and government come together to promote online learning, then online degrees and distance learning can be more accepted in society.
In the future, the perceptions of distance learning will improve. I think in 5-10 years, online education will be more accepted. As more and more people earn their degrees online and gain employment from them, they will be seen on par with traditional degrees. In 10-20 years, I think online learning will be very common. I think it will be integrated into most educational programs. For example, the required general education courses for a bachelor’s degree can be fulfilled online at a less expensive cost. Then the rest of the undergraduate courses that focus on a particular field or major, can be taken in-person at a university.
As the field of distance education grows, and as a new generation of students continue to learn online, it will eventually be the norm and accepted. The generation, over the age of 30 did not utilize technology or online platforms in their primary education (K-12). When they were introduced online learning, it seemed like a separate format and method of learning for them. In comparison, the generation, age 20-30, grew up with online learning in the last 20 years. Technology, communication, and education are an integrated part of their lifestyle. The perceptions of distance learning have to do with how one was socialized for learning. As a comparison, microwaves are a staple to most people now but 30 years ago, they were considered foreign, novel and/or a luxury item to people who did not grow up with them. The generations that grew up with microwaves do not consider them to be anything special. In fact, they are built-in items in new home construction. Likewise, online learning will someday be built-in or integrated as a basic and essential aspect of learning. When the generation, that grew up with technology, becomes the primary generation in the workforce, I think online learning will be an integrated and accepted concept in education. I think that generation will normalize the notion of online learning.
As an instructional designer, there are a few things I can do to be a proponent for improving societal perceptions of distance learning. I can use technology that is acceptable to the social perceptions of the learners. For example, I would not want to push the limits too far if a new technology is too much for them to understand or work with. I want to design courses that they can learn from without too much cognitive load. If the cognitive load is too much for them, it can interfere with their ability to learn (Cullata, 2013). To improve the social perceptions of distance education, instructional designers like myself can educate the public about what distance learning is. Instructional designers can outline the similarities and differences between online education and traditional education. This can help people see that distance learning can effectively help students meet learning objectives. According to George Siemens (n.d.), learners also need to be comfortable online. If that is the case, instructional designers should find ways of designing courses that allow learners to feel comfort learning online. If they feel comfortable online, this can improve their perceptions of distance learning.
I can be a positive force for continuous improvement in the field of distance education in a few ways. I can continue to further my education in about online learning, keep up with new technologies, and read more about online pedagogies. I can continue my learning through professional organizations and continuing education. I can subscribe to journals and research publications in the field of distance learning. Lastly, I can volunteer my instructional design skills to non-profit organizations that want to provide education to the public.
References
Cullata, R. (2013). Cognitive Load Theory. Retrieved from http://www.instructionaldesign.org/theories/cognitive-load.html
Laureate Education (Producer). (n.d.). The future of distance education [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu
Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2012). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (5th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.
In the future, the perceptions of distance learning will improve. I think in 5-10 years, online education will be more accepted. As more and more people earn their degrees online and gain employment from them, they will be seen on par with traditional degrees. In 10-20 years, I think online learning will be very common. I think it will be integrated into most educational programs. For example, the required general education courses for a bachelor’s degree can be fulfilled online at a less expensive cost. Then the rest of the undergraduate courses that focus on a particular field or major, can be taken in-person at a university.
As the field of distance education grows, and as a new generation of students continue to learn online, it will eventually be the norm and accepted. The generation, over the age of 30 did not utilize technology or online platforms in their primary education (K-12). When they were introduced online learning, it seemed like a separate format and method of learning for them. In comparison, the generation, age 20-30, grew up with online learning in the last 20 years. Technology, communication, and education are an integrated part of their lifestyle. The perceptions of distance learning have to do with how one was socialized for learning. As a comparison, microwaves are a staple to most people now but 30 years ago, they were considered foreign, novel and/or a luxury item to people who did not grow up with them. The generations that grew up with microwaves do not consider them to be anything special. In fact, they are built-in items in new home construction. Likewise, online learning will someday be built-in or integrated as a basic and essential aspect of learning. When the generation, that grew up with technology, becomes the primary generation in the workforce, I think online learning will be an integrated and accepted concept in education. I think that generation will normalize the notion of online learning.
As an instructional designer, there are a few things I can do to be a proponent for improving societal perceptions of distance learning. I can use technology that is acceptable to the social perceptions of the learners. For example, I would not want to push the limits too far if a new technology is too much for them to understand or work with. I want to design courses that they can learn from without too much cognitive load. If the cognitive load is too much for them, it can interfere with their ability to learn (Cullata, 2013). To improve the social perceptions of distance education, instructional designers like myself can educate the public about what distance learning is. Instructional designers can outline the similarities and differences between online education and traditional education. This can help people see that distance learning can effectively help students meet learning objectives. According to George Siemens (n.d.), learners also need to be comfortable online. If that is the case, instructional designers should find ways of designing courses that allow learners to feel comfort learning online. If they feel comfortable online, this can improve their perceptions of distance learning.
I can be a positive force for continuous improvement in the field of distance education in a few ways. I can continue to further my education in about online learning, keep up with new technologies, and read more about online pedagogies. I can continue my learning through professional organizations and continuing education. I can subscribe to journals and research publications in the field of distance learning. Lastly, I can volunteer my instructional design skills to non-profit organizations that want to provide education to the public.
References
Cullata, R. (2013). Cognitive Load Theory. Retrieved from http://www.instructionaldesign.org/theories/cognitive-load.html
Laureate Education (Producer). (n.d.). The future of distance education [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu
Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2012). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (5th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.