Distance Learning

The Future Points to Distance Education and Web- based Instruction

One positive outcome of the Cold War was the advent of computers and the use of technology. Present time technology is a rapid force in globalization and has helped to create a global job market. Society has shifted from one that depends upon service and industry to one that is in need of technologically knowledgeable critical thinkers. With a job market in the need of technologically knowledgeable critical thinkers postsecondary educational institutions have had to shift their instructional design and classroom learning to include more technology.

Distance Education

The demographics of the student population are evolving in education. The median age of learners is on the rise. Economics force many learners to seek skills or educational opportunities to stay competitive in the global job market. Many of these learners work full-time jobs and are burdened with other time constraints. Learners demand flexibility that distance education has to offer. Technological advancements in education such as e-learning (distance education) are making it possible for learners to access education where and when they want it.

The learning trends over the next 10 years will be driven by distance education, Web-based instruction and instructional strategies for educators. Distance education and Web-based instruction are the result of rapid advances in technology. Education is no longer confined to the traditional four wall classroom. Technology influences curriculum in academics both (for) the private and public sectors. In the next 10 years the educational system will be responsible for these changes by integrating Web-based instruction and instructional strategies for teachers into learning opportunities.

Instructional Strategies for Distance Education

When higher learning institutions begin shifting to a Web-based curriculum, they must remember that education is about learning concepts and objectives and not about which educator or institution can use the most technology in a classroom. Distance education and technology are important but not everything in the learning process. Before an educational foundation is structured, technology must have a clear definition for educators and trainers to interpret.

Instructional strategies are an important process in the educational process of Web-based learning. The systematic approach to instructional design that is recommended for all Web-based instructors is the process known as ADDIE (Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluation). The ADDIE model is a guide for the instructor to make informed educational choices concerning the Web-based learner (Hodell, 2006). The ADDIE process is for the educator to first analyze the learners, design and develop the instruction based on learning goals and performance-based objectives, and formative and summative assessments (Hodell, 2006). Next, the instructor will implement (delivery modality and instructional strategies) the instruction and the final step will be to evaluate the process that includes the learners, the instructional process, and the learning design (Hodell, 2006).

Promoting Positive Learning Experiences with Web-based Instruction

During the next 10 years the academic will begin to see a shift in the educational designing process. With the advent of modern technology, Web-based instruction will continue to develop and attract new students for learning and developing job skills. Web-based instruction offers flexibility (time and convenience), a diverse student population being able to work together, and a superior record keeping system (Reiser & Dempsey, 2007). The Web-based instructional learning environment promotes asynchronous communication and student-centered with a facilitator serving as a helping hand on the side and a true constructivist approach.

Web-based instruction provides an opportunity for more flexibility to take place in the learning process. The flexibility Web-based instruction offers can promote a positive learning experience the in two ways. First, Web-based instruction puts libraries within the fingertips of the learner, offering online documents, resources, and search engines linked to research portals and libraries (Lengel & Lengel, 2006). Next, Web-based instruction offers the learner and educator flexibility in the location of the class. With Web-based instruction being empowered by tools such as the computer and Internet, universities are not limited to campuses and can take place anywhere giving postsecondary and college institutions an opportunity to collect a variety of learners from all over the world (Lengel & Lengel, 2006). Web-based instruction may offer the learner flexibility that is attractive to many learners with busy lives including work and family commitments. The flexibility offered because of Web-based instruction has created more opportunities for learners to obtain an education and for educators in employment opportunities.

References

Hodell, C. (2006). ISD from the ground up: a non-nonsense approach to instructional design. Alexandria, VA: ASTD Press.

Lengel, J.G., & Lengel, K.M. (2006). Integrating technology: a practical guide. Sadle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Reiser, R.A., & Dempsey, J.V. (2007). Trends and issues in instructional design and technology (2 ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, Inc.