Perceptions of Online Degree Programs

Despite many concerns and resistance, the integration of some form of distance learning in the future in almost every educational avenue is inevitable. Perceptions of distance learning range from; it is an expectable method of learning to it doesn’t produce the same quality of learning as traditional face-to-face environments, not as rigorous.

Let’s first consider mindsets of distance learning just 5 years ago. In a discussion group pertaining to distance learning, Literacy Information and Communication System (2007), documented participants contemplated the types of informal, ongoing assessments teachers routinely use in classrooms (e.g., "reading" students to determine comprehension, redirecting or expanding discussions, group activities, quizzes, etc.) frequently aren't available in a distance setting. They went on to consider that once we have students in the distance-learning door, how can we use progress measures and informal assessments to help keep them engaged? (Literacy Information & Communication System, 2007) Today one must wonder if their discussions considered the many great forms of technological tools used to engage students with technology, teacher, peers, and content; such as Wikis, blogs, discussion forums, discussion threads, virtual classroom, etc.

Perceptions of distance learning will be in the future (in 5–10 years; 10–20 years)

Many technological advances have assisted in the current increases of distance learning programs today and will continue to improve in the future. Five to ten years from now I foresee distance learning becoming much more of an acceptable mode of delivering quality education. Also, these technological advances will result in using devices in distance learning familiar to what learners use in everyday socials media, communication, or entertainment. For example, electronic readers to deliver distance learning courses’ content or other resource material will enable learners the ability to access information on various devices anywhere at any time. Another device that will enhance the perceptions of distance learning in the future is the use of audio feedback in discussion boards. Using audio in distance groups will a feel of a face-to-face conversation, where students will add a sense of emotion along with the post. According to Max de Lotbiniere, of Guardian Weekly (2011), Leicester University, where this technique is being used, indicated that research revealed that students appeared more willing to listen to feedback via audio than to commit time to reading written comments. The "voice board" also allowed students to interact among each other in new ways. They indicated that the students really enjoyed listening to one another and that they read more widely because they could hear their peers express enthusiasm for texts. (Lotbiniere, 2011) Holograms in distance learning, ten to twenty years from now, will be common place in distance learning. Holograms are being used for concert purposes and can be used to enhance the acceptance of distance learning. The process goes a step beyond video conferencing in that the hologram teacher appears to be in the classroom, and can see and speak to the pupils as if they were all in the same room (Ghuloum, 2010).

An instructional designer as a proponent for improving societal perceptions of distance learning

One key aspect of an instructional design that will aid in improving societal perceptions of distance learner is continuous professional development of the designer.  According to The Free Library (2012), Rothwell and Kazanas felt that instructional designers should continuously "strive to build professional knowledge, maintain awareness of new developments and approaches and preserves adherenceadherence

immune adherence
to ethical standards." Instructional designers can also support improving societal perceptions of distance learning by designing effective instruction that meets course objectives using learner-instructor, learner-learner, and learner-content interactions. I will ensure my ability to provide a versatile learning design does not become stagnate by my inability to stay abreast of new ideals in distance learning; always considering the power and flexibility of new technologies. As an instructional designer, I want to ensure I design learning systems that consider the technologies of the new generation of learners with the most current and feasible technology. 

Being a positive force for continuous improvement in the field of distance education

As an instructional designer becoming that force of continuous improvement in the field of distance education, not only includes the professional development, but the awareness that there are questions of the validity of education within the online environment. There is growing acceptance, but there are also those that have yet to understand where online learning can take education. I must respect the opinions of those who may oppose distance education and gradually introduce new technologies that can be integrated with technologies that are common to them. Also, with growing acceptance of distance learning, as stated by Siemens, the instructor designer must be that bridge of comfort between universities, government, and business (Laureate Education, Inc., n.d.).

References:

Ghuloum, H., (2010), Informing Science & IT Education Conference (InSITE), 3D Hologram Technology in learning environment, Retrieved on April 22, 2012, from http://proceedings.informingscience.org/InSITE2010/InSITE10p693-704Ghuloum751.pdf 

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (n.d). EDUC-6135-2: Distance Learning [Video webcast]. The Future of Distance Education. Retrieved from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=6493363&Survey=1&47=8910814&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=1&bhcp=1

Literacy Information and Communication System, (2007), Assessment in distance learning, Retrieved on April 21, 2012, from   http://lincs.ed.gov/lincs/discussions/assessment/07assess_distance.html

Lotbiniere, M., (2011), The Guardian, The future of distance learning is calling, Retrieved on April 22, 2012, from http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2011/mar/08/online-voice-messages-tesol-delotbiniere

The Free Library, (2012), Professional development of instructional designers: a proposed framework based on a Singapore study. Retrieved on April 22, 2012, from http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Professional+development+of+instructional+designers%3a+a+proposed...-a0143618060