Module 1: Evolving Distance Education Into the Next Generation

Summary and comparison of two viewpoints:
In the series of three articles by Moller, Foshay, & Huett (2008, 2008, & 2008), Moller, et al. discuss distance education in the three arenas of corporate, higher education, and K-12. The authors present their viewpoint on the need for distance education to evolve into the future. In the video segments by Simonson (n.d. & n.d.), Simonson provides a brief history of the evolution of distance education and includes a general statement about the future of distance education.

Moller, et al. and Simonson agree that distance education cannot simply mimic face-to-face classroom curriculum. Moller, et al. calls such a practice a “craft approach,” (p. 67) while Simonson’s equivalency theory states that the learning outcome should be the same, but the instructional method different. Both perspectives suggest that distance education needs to be created in terms of both the learner and the teacher.

In my opinion, that is where their similarities end. Simonson states that he believes we are near the top part of Rogers’s (2003) S-shaped curve in innovation diffusion, and therefore distance education is already widely accepted. Simonson believes that while the popularity and use of distance education will grow significantly, there will not be any revolutionary change.

Moller, et al. state that distance education is in great need of a major facelift, that there is such a lack of a strong foundation of instructional design in all the industries (corporate, higher education, and K-12). Distance education cannot be realized at its fullest and truest potential without a sound basis of instructional design.

My perspective:
I am not sure, as Simonson (n.d.) stated, that distance education really is at the top of the S curve and that it is widely accepted as of yet. Certainly, as Moller, Foshay, & Huett (2008) mention, K-12 schools, especially elementary schools, have many policy issues to debate before they can truly or widely adopt distance education. I feel we are at the birthing stages of distance education. Yes, learning from a distance has existed for some time now. But the old ways of distance learning cannot be put in the same league now with the widespread use of the internet and the even more recent developments in bandwidth, speed, and access and the consequent new video and digital technology. These advancements have begun an entirely new age of distance education. It’s like comparing the invention of mainframe computers (which took up an entire room) to the microcomputer (laptop).

As I read the three articles by Moller, et al., this analogy came to mind: Many building developers do not use architects. But architects will tell you that a developer should hire an architect first to create a sound design based on the developer’s needs. After that, the developer should hire the general contractor who basically works under the architect, meaning the architect supervises the project to make sure the building goes up as designed and planned. But many developers do not follow that path, perhaps due to time, cost, and political issues, the same issues discussed by Moller et al.

So the use of architects and instructional designers would create the best world scenarios in their respective fields. But will such a sound foundational product ever win over the obstacles of time, cost, and politics?


Resources
Huett, J., Moller, L., Foshay, W & Coleman, C. (2008, September/October). The Evolution Of Distance Education: Implications For Instructional Design On The Potential Of The Web (Part 3: K12). TechTrends, 52(5). 63-67. Use the Academic Search Premier database, and search using the article's Accession Number: 34729472.

Moller, L Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008, May/June). The Evolution Of Distance Education: Implications For Instructional Design On The Potential Of The Web (Part 1: Training And Development). TechTrends, 52(3), 70-75. Use the Academic Search Premier database, and search using the article's Accession Number: 33281719.

Moller, L Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008, May/June). The Evolution Of Distance Education: Implications For Instructional Design On The Potential Of The Web (Part 2: Higher Education). TechTrends, 52(4), 66-70. Use the Academic Search Premier database, and search using the article's Accession Number: 33991516.

Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of Innovations (5th ed.). New York: Free Press.

Simonson, M. (n.d.) Distance Education: The Next Generation. [Study video]. Retrieved December 7, 2008 from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=3206859&Survey=1&47=5050260&ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1 Only available to Walden students enrolled in EDUC 8442.

Simonson, M. (n.d.) Equivalency Theory. [Study video]. Retrieved December 7, 2008 from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=3206859&Survey=1&47=5050260&ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1 Only available to Walden students enrolled in EDUC 8442.