Simonson (2008) postulated that, “distance education is formal education that is separated geographically as well as by time. Based on this premise, I think that distance education should evolve. One situation that is observed is that more and more individuals are retiring early and there is a need to further their studies to keep abreast with the new information and discoveries. As we get older, I find it harder to travel or relocate in an effort to upgrade or continue educational studies. Similarly, parenting and other family ties demands that we wear many hats as we balance our everyday activities. Distance education not only provides the convenience of being accessible globally, but it also enables learners to learn and collaborate with others. This can provide a richer learning experience that is at times missing in the traditional classrooms.
Additionally, Huett, Moller, Foshay & Coleman ,(2008) postulated that distance education can be cost effective, This is so as, distance education can eliminate the cost of building new facilities for teaching and learning. By evolving distance education in this manner, funds could be diverted from building cost and instead used to train teachers in taking on specific roles such as curriculum designers or content- knowledge facilitators, not only in higher education, but also in the K-12 classrooms. I think this is a change that should be embraced, especially with “bullying” being so prevalent in the lives of these younger children.
References
Huett,J ., Moller. L., Foshay W., & Coleman, C. (2008). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web. (Part 3: K12). Retrieved from, http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=c3d4e92c-6290-4afd-a5e6-620810ad8052%40sessionmgr104&vid=2&hid=104
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008a). Distance education: the next generation [Video program]. Retrieved from, http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5701353&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=4769372&ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=0&bhcp=1
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