Defining Distance Learning

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Defining Distance Learning
Distance Education is rapidly changing keeping pace with technology changes that are happening all around us. The definition of distance learning as described by Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, and Zvacek (2012) is a separation of teachers and student either through time or geographical location (p. 33). This means that the teacher may have a lesson planned taped or written and delivered to the student to be viewed at a later time. The tools that we use in our education have evolved rapidly.

 During the early years of distance education, the term was called Correspondence School. This was where the course materials were delivered via the mail and all assignments and grades were mailed back and forth. The university where I currently work started this way with PhD in Education programs. There were residencies, however, which allowed the students to come together a few times during their program to meet face to face with the professors. Other than that, everything was done via mailed correspondence.

Growing up, I remember seeing commericials for schools that offered classes via the television. In fact, Public Broadcasting System channels still have painting and art classes shown this way. All a student needs is access to a T.V and the painting materials to be able to follow along with the teacher. Very effective way to show painting and art techniques which is interactive and entertaining as well. The programs were previously recorded to be broadcast in different timezones than the students.
As technology changed, eventually the instruction was designed to be put onto the internet and we have the early years of our current online classrooms. Most online instruction now is delivered asynchronously meaning that you do not have to be online at the same time with everyone in class. The lectures are pre recorded and students are given access to class through webpages complete with th media software required to view the lectures.

As interactive video and conferencing softwares develop further, there is an opportunity to actually bring the students and teachers together this way. Live classroom lectures can be held through Skype or other systems. However, having to have this type of interaction takes away a little bit, in my opinion, of the flexibility of the program. Many of my students that I advise in my daily conversations are looking to do online programs because they do not want to have a time commitment to be logged into class.

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2012). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (5th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearsonansitional.dtd"> Defining Distance Learning

Distance Education is rapidly changing keeping pace with technology changes that are happening all around us. The definition of distance learning as described by Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, and Zvacek (2012) is a separation of teachers and student either through time or geographical location (p. 33). This means that the teacher may have a lesson planned taped or written and delivered to the student to be viewed at a later time. The tools that we use in our education have evolved rapidly. During the early years of distance education, the term was called Correspondence School. This was where the course materials were delivered via the mail and all assignments and grades were mailed back and forth. The university where I currently work started this way with PhD in Education programs. There were residencies, however, which allowed the students to come together a few times during their program to meet face to face with the professors. Other than that, everything was done via mailed correspondence.
Growing up, I remember seeing commericials for schools that offered classes via the television. In fact, Public Broadcasting System channels still have painting and art classes shown this way. All a student needs is access to a T.V and the painting materials to be able to follow along with the teacher. Very effective way to show painting and art techniques which is interactive and entertaining as well. The programs were previously recorded to be broadcast in different timezones than the students.
As technology changed, eventually the instruction was designed to be put onto the internet and we have the early years of our current online classrooms. Most online instruction now is delivered asynchronously meaning that you do not have to be online at the same time with everyone in class. The lectures are pre recorded and students are given access to class through webpages complete with th media software required to view the lectures.
As interactive video and conferencing softwares develop further, there is an opportunity to actually bring the students and teachers together this way. Live classroom lectures can be held through Skype or other systems. However, having to have this type of interaction takes away a little bit, in my opinion, of the flexibility of the program. Many of my students that I advise in my daily conversations are looking to do online programs because they do not want to have a time commitment to be logged into class.



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