Reflection

 What do you think the perceptions of distance learning will be in the future (in 5–10 years; 10–20 years)?

   

 The perceptions of distance learning will change in 5-10 years through the use of virtual learning environments. As technology has evolved and right along education has evolved. “The newer technologies dominate what the older technologies…can’t fill (Simonson et al. 2012).” I can see that in the future that education will eventually a more personalized education and more virtual learning environments, where learners will have a strong sense of a virtual presence (Dede, 2005).  In 5 to 10 years distance will become more popular and more of a normal way to attend classes and augmented realities will become more popular.

     According to Dede, “Mirroring with virtual environments that replicate physical settings but also provide magical capabilities for immersive experience.” So this means that in 10 to 20 years educational environment will be more of an environment that will be replicated through the use of technology. This technology will give the appearance of holograph face-to-face classroom environment that will use an asynchronous concept that will provide open access for students to attend a class around their busy schedule.

How can you as an instructional designer be a proponent for improving societal perceptions of distance learning?

    

An instructional designer can be proponent for improving societal perceptions through the use of positive engaging trainings and through the use of keeping up with technology and embracing this technology and not being afraid to use it, as so many people are. As instructional designer I will also improve societal perceptions by being the forerunner of using and fostering “emergent” technology in developing my trainings (Dede 2005).  

     Also, as an instructional designer I need to be alert for “Naïve managers and subject matter experts that do not recognized that there are specialized e-learning designs and development skills”, this will help improve the perceptions of distance learning through creating impressive design content (2008).

How will you be a positive force for continuous improvement in the field of distance education?

     Since my first distance education class, I have been a positive force in field of distance education. I believe that distance education is changing the face of education and the way that we think about learning and learning environments. As a student and an instructional designer, I can use both my learning experiences and career to be a positive for continuous improvement. I will also design content that is aligned to standards and providing resources to high-risk students (Huett et al, 2008).

  

Resources

Dede, C. (2005). Planning for neomillennial learning styles. Educause Quarterly, 28(2), 7-12.

Huett, J., Moller, L., Foshay, W. R., & Coleman, C. (2008). The Evolution of Distance Education: Implications for Instructional Design on the Potential of the Web. Part 3: K-12. Techtrends:Linking Research And Practice To Improve Learning, 52(5), 63-67.

Moller, L., Foshay, W. R., & Huett, J. (2008). The Evolution of Distance Education: Implications for Instructional Design on the Potential of the Web. Techtrends: Linking Research And Practice To Improve Learning, 52(3), 70-75.

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2012). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (5^th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.