Defining Distance Learning

My initial definition of distance learning is learning that takes place away from the traditional classroom.  I was involved in a program called Navy College Program For Afloat College Education (NCPACE).  NCPACE offered sailors whose jobs required long periods out to sea learning opportunities from accredited post-secondary institutions. The objective of NCPACE is to provide shipboard personnel with educational opportunities comparable to those available to shore duty personnel.  The courses were delivered primarily using self-paced CD-ROM technology, since afloat conditions aboard deployed vessels preclude reliable and consistent internet access.

My initial definition took mostly distance into consideration but I have learned that time is also a factor.  My new definition based on this week’s resources is distance learning is formal education in which teacher, students, and resources (learning groups) are separated by geography and sometimes by time.  Technologies are used to link the learning groups together (Laureate Education, Inc., 2012).

While attending UNLV some of my classes were online.  We were pretty much only separated by the distance of not having to come to campus.  In my Walden classes I have had the experience of being classmates with students on the other side of the country and even in other countries.  This experience has helped change my view of distance learning.

Phipps & Merisotis (1999) stated, “It is important to understand what is meant by ‘distance learning.’ Because the technology is evolving, the definition of what distance learning is continues to change.”  The NCPACE classes I took were non-interactive correspondent classes.

My UNLV and Walden classes have recorded lectures as in NCPACE but also have weekly interaction with the instructor and other students.  I foresee distance learning progressing to incorporate new technology as it is developed.

My vision for distance learning is that it will incorporate the technology of Web 2.0 and Web 3.0.  I think there will be reluctance at first from the traditionalist but they will eventually come onboard.  We currently communicate with faculty and other students via e-mail, electronic forums, videoconferencing, chat rooms, bulletin boards, instant messaging and other forms of computer-based communication.  Web 2.0 technologies include social networking sites, blogs, wikis, video sharing sites, hosted services, web applications, mashups and folksonomies.  We use some of those in our Walden program.  Web 3.0 will include TV-quality open video, 3D simulations, augmented reality, human-constructed semantic standards, and pervasive broadband, wireless, and sensors.  We will use all of these methods to deliver classes.

References:

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2012). Distance Learning [DVD]. In Distance Education: The Next Generation. Baltimore, MD: Dr. Michael Simonson.

Phipps, R., & Merisotis, J. P. (1999, April). What’s the Difference? A review of contemporary research on the effectiveness of distance learning in higher education. Washington, DC: The Institute for Higher Education Policy.