Reflection

The current and future perceptions of distance learning in our society vary widely.  In the world of higher education, distance education is relatively new.  Many people are unfamiliar with online programs and are somewhat skeptical of the value online degrees possess.  Dr. George Siemens (2012) states that increasing acceptance of distance education is fueled by:

• The increase in online communication
• Practical experience with new tools
•  Growing comfort with online discourse
•   Ability to communicate with diverse and global groups

I think the perceptions of distance learning will become more favorable in the near future.  Dr. George Siemens (2012) states that distance education will be impacted by:

•  New communication technologies
•  Contribution by experts around the world
• Increased use of multimedia, games, and simulations

The perceptions will also change as universities change the way they market online degree programs.  This will go a long way in changing how these programs are viewed.  Academic fidelity is a measure of the nature and extent of integrity or equivalency between on campus programs and online degree programs (Gambescia & Paolucci, 2009).  A study showed evidence indicating that a relatively small number of institutions promote their online degree programs using academic the fidelity attributes of faculty, curriculum, or quality (Gambescia & Paolucci, 2009).  They instead prefer to use convenience and flexibility to promote their online degree programs to prospective students (Gambescia & Paolucci, 2009).  If the universities start stressing quality over convenience it will start to change the various perceptions.

     As an instructional designer I can be a proponent for improving societal perceptions of distance learning.  A study was conducted to identify issues and concerns that students have with distance education.  The main issues identified were interaction with an instructor and with classmates (Schmidt & Gallegos, 2001).  The sharing of ideas helps in the understanding of the course material (Schmidt & Gallegos, 2001).  When I am developing a distance delivery course, I will provide a way for students to interact with the instructor and classmates.

Various studies state that potential employers have given the following reasons for their reluctance in accepting online degrees:

• lack of rigor
• lack of face-to-face interactions
• increased potential for academic dishonesty
• association with diploma mills
• concerns about online students’ true commitment (Schmidt & Gallegos, 2001) 

Potential employers have given the following reasons for their acceptance of online degrees:

• name recognition/reputation of the degree-granting institution
• appropriate level and type of accreditation
• perception that online graduates were required to be more self-directed and disciplined
• candidates’ relevant work experiences
• whether the online graduates were being considered for promotion within an organization or if they were vying for new positions elsewhere or in a new field (Schmidt & Gallegos, 2001). 

I think knowing what the pros and cons are will help me prepare for a possible interview where I may need to be able to explain why my degree is valuable.  Another way of improving societal perceptions of distance learning is by changing employers' lingering misperceptions of online education.

     eLearners.com published an article that will be extremely useful whenever you are discussing your resume with a prospective employer.  It list ten talking points that can use to defend your decision for earning a degree online.

1.  The school's accreditation

2.  Your effective time management practices

3.  Your experience with new software and software applications

4.  Your excellent communication and interpersonal skills

5.  Your proven leadership skills

6.  Your initiative and motivation

7.  Your excellent reading comprehension skills

8.  Your strong work ethic

9.  Your skills are directly applicable to the work environment

10. You succeed in diverse environments and work well with others (How to defend, 2012)

 

References

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2012). The Future of Distance Education. [With Dr. George Siemens]. Baltimore, MD.

Gambescia, S., & Paolucci, R. (2009). Academic fidelity and integrity as attributes of university online degree program offerings. Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, 12(1). Retrieved from http://www.westga.edu/~distance/ojdla/spring121/gambescia121.html

Schmidt, E., & Gallegos, A. (2001). Distance learning: Issues and concerns of distance learners. Journal of Industrial Technology, 17(3). Retrieved from http://atmae.org/jit/Articles/schmidt041801.pdf

Columbaro, N. & Monaghan, C. (2009). Employer perceptions of online degrees: A literature review. Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, 12(1). Retrieved December 23, 2012 from http://www.westga.edu/~distance/ojdla/spring121/columbaro121.html

How to defend your online degree. (2012). Retrieved December 23, 2012 from http://www.elearners.com/online-education-resources/careers/how-to-defend-your-online-degree/