It is the belief of Moller, Huett, Foshay and Coleman (2008) that most of these continuing education courses lack adequate instructional design for a sufficient learning environment. This is due to the fact that the faculty lacks the necessary training in instructional design or distance education itself. Training is an ongoing process. When designing instructions, the instructor must take in to account the specific needs of the learners and the technology needed to facilitate learning.
Simonson (2008) states that the use of distance learning will only grow but will not replace the traditional school/university. He also believes that one day distance learning will be introduced across the learning spectrum, from early education to higher education. However, each division of education has unique requirements. Therefore, again, instructional design must have the learners in mind.
The old ways of learning are no longer sufficient to meet the needs of the learners. Therefore, as the needs of the learners evolve the instructional design must follow suit. It is my opinion that in order for the instruction to do so, the teacher, instructor, professors, coach, or trainer must be adequately trained themselves. If this is done the full potential of every learner may be reached.
Belinda V:)
References
Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008, May/June). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the Web (Part 1: Training and Development). TechTrends, 52(3), 70–75. Use the Academic Search Premier database, and search using the article’s title.
Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008, July/August). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the Web (Part 2: Higher Education). TechTrends, 52(4), 66–70. Use the Academic Search Premier database, and search using the article’s title.
Huett, J., Moller, L., Foshay, W. & Coleman, C. (2008, September/October). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the Web (Part 3: K12). TechTrends, 52(5), 63–67.Use the Academic Search Premier database, and search using the article’s title.
Simonson, M. (2000). Making decisions: The use of electronic technology in online classes. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 84, 29–34.
3 comments:
Hi Belinda,
I love your blog design! You did an awesome job. I agree with you as an educator that training is an ongoing process for all of us. I have had some great experiences with distance learning. In the article, Moller, Huet, Foshay and Coleman made mention that the classes lack instructional design. I must say that I enjoyed taking the classes that were designed for eight weeks (one class) rather than twelve weeks (two classes). The load seems heavy to me.
Additionally, I believe what Simonson stated in the video that distance learning will be increasing in the future.
Sandra
Hello Belinda-
I enjoyed reading your post. I also agree that training is one of the most vital components to the success of distance education. Being trained thoroughly and properly will create a more productive and successful learning environment. I also feel that often the instructors may focus on methods that are most conveinent to them rather than working towards methods that would be most effective for their learners.
Great posting and I love the look of your blog. Very nice!!!
Ashley
I agree with the rest of our group that training is an essential piece of distance learning. I think a lot of teachers view teaching an online class as completely foreign and difficult. The reality is that, aside from the technical piece, teaching online is similar to teaching in a traditional classroom in that creating a positive culture, establishing clear objectives, and encouraging higher order thinking and collaboration are goals in either environment. The key is convincing teachers of the importance of distance education in the first place.
Adam
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