Defining Distance Learning

             Encyclopedia Britannica defines distance learning as the “form of education in which the main elements include physical separation of teachers and students during instruction and the use of various technologies to facilitate student-teacher and student-student communication” (Berg, 2016). Distance learning provides a flexibility that conventional classrooms cannot. Flexibility seems to be the most common motivation for students and workers at a company.

“The emergence of distance learning and e-learning courses programs has provided the American population easy access to education. The flexibility and functionality of e-learning courses have to lead to the further evolution of the learning landscape in the US. Similarly, E-learning services are utilized across the United States corporate (SMBs and Large enterprises) sector for executing training and other cooperative activities like project work and assignments.” (United States eLearning Market, 2022).

Distance learning has been impactful in my education and work career. In the past, I considered distance learning as an opportunity to complete a course using the learning style I was most comfortable with. I was motivated by the lack of supervision and set schedule to follow. I thought I could redesign the curriculum of an online course to fit my needs. Clearly, I was not accustomed to the commitment, discipline and time management skills required to successfully complete a distance learning course.  

As a freshman at my University, I took advantage of the freedom from physically attending my class. I could complete my coursework from anywhere via the internet. More important to me at the time was the ability to work full-time, while taking online courses. Due to the lack of commitment, discipline, and time management, my grades suffered tremendously the first year if undergrad. By my sophomore year, I made drastic changes. I learned how to schedule time for my online courses, without interruptions. I cut back my work hours to part-time. Lastly, I participated in study groups held on campus.

                Post undergrad, I have worked for companies that are technology-driven. I have worked as an IT Analyst, Project Manager, Media Specialist, and Librarian. Each position required me to be tech savvy.  I created learning and training modules for employees in the corporate sector. Many of the employees were in other cities. They were required to complete the learning and training modules online. Also, I was responsible for conducting online meetings with partners in other countries. I created learning and training modules for teachers, students, and parents in the educational sector.

The recent pandemic has increased the demand for distance learning. Heng writes,

”COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on every aspect of society. It has caused profound disruption to the education system as governments around the world have temporarily closed educational institutions to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Face-to-face classes have been canceled and moved online, bringing about the rise of online learning that has allowed learners to continue their education.” (Heng, 2020)

Distance learning has proven to be impactful in the lives of students and workers across the globe. As an Instructional Designer, I plan to be an asset to the distance learning community by providing successful learning and training experiences.

 

 

References

Berg, G. and Simonson, M. (2016, November 7). distance learning. Encyclopedia Britannica.

https://www.britannica.com/topic/distance-learning

Heng, Kimkong & Sol, Koemhong. (2020). Online learning during COVID-19: Key challenges and

suggestions to enhance effectiveness.

United States eLearning Market, Size, Share, Forecast 2022-2027, Industry Trends,

Growth, Outlook, Impact of COVID-19, Company Analysis. February 2022. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/united-states-elearning-market-report-2022-2027-high-adoption-of-artificial-intelligence-ai-and-machine-learning-ml-solutions-by-various-non-academic-and-academic-institutions-driving-growth-301538169.html