REFLECTION

            I was very inspired when I read the theories by Dede where he describes Distance Learning as shifting to “active construction of knowledge through mediated immersion” (2005).  The use of the new technologies in the classroom will provide students, particularly the neomillanial students, with an interactive online education involving situational experiences and the ability to co-design to make learning more personal and suited to each individual.  I can see the trend moving the learning environment in the next decade as being much more interactive than it is now.   It is exciting to think that students are taking part in simulated games which are designed to teach concepts of business, how to run a business, how to solve math equations or even how to put together a car engine.  What are the limits to the power of online instruction?  With the information supplied by Dede and other forward thinkers, the limit will be pushed further than before.  I would like to think that within the next decade education will be somewhere further along than what it is now to the truly “magical” world of Dede’s virtual immersion experiences that he describes as the possible future for universities.

            The design of the new online learning trends have to keep pace with technology that is available to foster a more connected learning experience.  There will need to be a variety of offerings to students so that the information presented to them will appeal to each learner’s style of learning.  However, the academic and purpose of the instruction cannot be lost either.  The learning goals and outcomes have to be met so that the reputation of learning on line will not be overly simplified to its convenience or flexible format.  Gambescia and Paolucci’s( 2009)  research shows that most schools are concerned with providing information about the Academic Fidelity in in terms of the faculty and curriculum as a way to focus on quality of the education. The chart below from Gambescia and Paolucci (2009) shows the traits of flexibility, convenience, quality and a global classroom experience as what is important to most upcoming students who are looking for educational options. Designers need to create ways to use all of these attributes in the instructional design of each course so that quality becomes a higher selling point for online education.  Until a larger portion of society recognizes that online education is just as high in quality as face to face instruction, designers have more to do to set the bar higher.

            Current and future designers will have to be able to assess which technological resources will increase knowledge transfer based on the subject content.  When instruction is designed using the correct media, efficiency is maximized and learning experiences have more resources available (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, and Zvacek, 2012, p. 116).   Knowing what technology is available to students is an important part of the assessment phase when designing instruction.  Even with technology advancements, I think it is a best practice to provide the information in a variety of mediums so that all learners have options.  Even students that are online and enjoy working at a computer, iPad, laptop, or phone, should realize that there are times when having written text to mark up or high light is of value.  Course material selections should be varied and considered.  

            Making students comfortable in their online learning environment by having a well- organized classroom with all information and capabilities right at their fingertips is one way to further integrate distance education into mainstream society.  Online is becoming widely accepted as an alternative and Siemans points out in his video that as more people are having meaningful communication on line in their personal and professional lives, this is contributing to the growing acceptance (2012).  

            As a future designer and even now as a student advisor for online education, I feel tasked with continuing to learn and familiarize myself with the new technology that is available.  I am comfortable with some and not as familiar with others.  Continuous self -education and practice with technology is a goal of mine so that I can experience everything that is available.   The only way to effectively put to use the best technology for any training class is to know it and be effective at it.  I have work to do and have a lesson plan of my own that I will follow to continuously expand my knowledge and skill level.  The concepts discussed in this Distance Education class solidify my goal that I must be a continuous learner in order to be an effect instructional designer of the future.

Sincerely,
Kathy
        
    
References:

Dede, C. (2005). Planning for neomillennial learning styles. Educause Quarterly, 28(1), 7–12.

Gambescia, S., & Paolucci, R. (2009). Academic fidelity and integrity as attributes of university        online degree program offerings. Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, 12(1). Retrieved from

http://www.westga.edu/~distance/ojdla/spring121/gambescia121.html

Siemens,G. (2012)  The future of distance education.  Laureate Education Inc,. [Video Program]   

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