Within the last 10 years there have been a number of changes when it comes to the perceptions of distance learning. I can almost remember like it was yesterday when some of the top educators and learners alike frowned upon gaining a degree in an online format. With that in mind, it’s amazing to see the turnaround of the distance learning environment and how it has changed the way students learn all across the globe. As long as technology continues to evolve, distance learning will continue to grow and evolve as well. Within the next 5 to 10 years I believe many of the perceptions of distance learning will be more positive than they are today but there will always be a negative perception to debate. As much as distance learning has progressed within such a short period of time, the possibilities are endless for the next 10-20 years. Personally, I feel that by that time the only face to face learning environments will be reserved for K-12 education and doctoral level curriculums such as physical therapy, chiropractic and medical programs.
As an instructional designer, the best way that I can be a proponent for improving societal perceptions of distance learning would be to continue to design the best quality courses in the online format. At this point marketing departments have done a great job with presenting the distance learning format to students across the globe. In my role as an instructional designer assuring that quality is presented will almost always assure that students will remain in their programs and speak highly about their experiences. Currently there have been a few distance learning programs that have given the distance learning environment a bad reputation as of late. As an instructional designer I would go back to the drawing board and clean up those programs from scratch and present a new curriculum that the students would be proud to say they have learned.
The field of distance learning has to continue to be positive in the eyes of students in order for the growth of the environment to continue. Given the fact that it took some time in my online program for me to become a true believer in the online format of learning, it will take constant advocacy on my part to improve the field of distance learning in the future. Currently when I speak to anyone concerning the field of education, I mention my program and that I attend Walden University. I am not surprised at the number of negative responses I have received or that some students are just weary of gaining a degree online in general but in order to improve the field, it will be important to continue to spread the word to as many people as possible.
Improvements in corporate trainings will also be a great way to spread the word of distance education, especially if you work for an international company. Given my current career as an instructional designer I also plan to focus on providing corporate trainings to small businesses that are also looking for expansion. This way distance education can be provided in an online format to all employees whether in house or in another state or country.
Overall the field of distance learning is in a great place. I am proud to say that I am a student of distance learning and have become a more skilled learner because of it. I have remained a student because of the uniqueness of the program and the quality of the education I have received thus far. With continued improvements within the distance learning environment, I am more than confident that this form of learning will be the new standard in the years to come.
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