Sunday, September 13, 2009
8842 module 1 wk 2 assignment
While comparing and contrasting views on the reasons for the need to evolve distance education to the next generation, it is the scope of the lens used by experts in the resources that stands out as the most significant contrast. Huett, Moller, Foshay, and Coleman (2008) presented views on evolving distance education to the future using a narrow lens restricted to the present aspects of distance education to explain while Simonson (2008) uses a much broader lens. Simonson relied on theory, empirical research, and a historic perspective on distance education to explain the future. This is the most significant contrast between the perspectives provided in the resources.
The lens used by Simonson (2008) also provided a definition of distance education and distinguished it from self study at a distance. Simonson also focused mainly on schools while Huett et al (2008) provided equal application of distance education to corporate training, higher education, and k-12 schools. Lastly, Huett et al emphasized criticism of distance education and focused on the need to improve assessment, methodology tools, models of instruction, and course development. In contrast, Simonson emphasized what is successful in past and present distance education and builds from those aspects. Huett et al presented using repair of a problem based approach while Simonson used building upon an existing successful approach.
Similarities also existed in experts’ opinions. All of the experts discussed the explosive growth in distance education. Additionally, all authors attributed this growth to economics and accessibility yet Huett et al (2008) provided narrow evidence from a past study while Simonson (2008) connected the growth of distance education beginning to past patterns with the birth of the internet and web. In addition, Simonson provided more details on future growth using information about instructional and communication technologies. He also provided more information when arguing that the changes will not be revolutionary.
I agree with most of the concepts presented in the resources. I was uncertain of some arguments presented by Huett et al (2008). Their views would have been more convincing and valid if more empirical data would have been provided. I agreed with all of Simonson’s ideas on the evolution of distance education to the next generation because he based his arguments in proven theories, historic patterns, and sound empirical data.
References
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.Retrieved on Sept 05, 2009 from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=3649020&Survey=1&47=2578915&ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1
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: Training and development). TechTrends, 52(3), 70-75. Retrieved on Sept.5, 2009 from http://ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=33281719&site=ehost-live&scope=site
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. Retrieved on Sept 5, 2009 from http://ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=33991516&site=ehost-live&scope=site
Simonson, M. (speaker). “Distance Education: The Next Generation”. Laureate Education, Inc. (2008). Principles of Distance Education. Baltimore.Retrieved on Sept 10, 2009 from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=3649020&Survey=1&47=2578915&ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1
Simonson, M. (speaker) (2008). “Equivalency Theory”. Laureate Education, Inc. (2008). Principles of Distance Education. Baltimore.Retrieved on Sept 10, 2009 from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=3649020&Survey=1&47=2578915&ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1
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ReplyDeleteHi Sandy, very informative post!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Simonson (2008) that the changes will not be revolutionary, although they should be in order to accommodate and reflect new paradigms of education. The dynamics of online learning cannot achieve successful outcomes in a traditional educational environment.
I think that because online learning is on the Internet rather than through the post office (snail mail) as was done in the pre-web era, the expectations are not only for the communication to be prompt, but also for the knowledge to be immediate as well. Therefore, the effective part is being lost and neglected.
Reference:
Moller, L., Forshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008, May). The Evolution of Distance Education: Implications for Instructional Design on the Potential of the Web. TechTrends: Linking Research & Practice to Improve Learning, 52(3), 70-75. Retrieved September 17, 2009, doi:10.1007/s11528-008-0158-5
Simonson, M. (2008) Distance Education: The Next Generation. [Study video]. Retrieved September 12, 2009, from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=3206859&Survey=1&47=5050260&ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1.
Excellent points Orit.
ReplyDeleteSandy
Sandy Wenzel
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your blog, I revisited the works of Moller, Foshay, & Huet (2008). I see that some of their conclusions regarding the perils and future of distance learning were not based on empirical data. In his presentation (Laureate Education, 2009) Simonson did provide a historical perspective that seemed to trace the evolution of distance learning. His contention that distance learning was at the “critical mass” stage did seem a bit tenuous to me. However, I understand why I so eagerly read much of what Moller et al. wrote. I am involved in distance learning and have encountered some of the bad practices that were described. This helped me to remember that scholar practitioners have to be especially careful to rely on data and not solely on what they believe to be true. Thank you for your post.
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
Laureate education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2008). Principles of distance education: Equivalency theory. [Motion Picture].Baltimore, MD: Laureate Education, Inc.
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.
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
Hi Sandy,
ReplyDeleteGreat thoughts!
For Huett to paint distance education with the same brush for corporate training, higher education, and K-12 schools could be a mistake. The approach for each and level requirements are altogether unique and distinct from one another. I do agree that the need to improve assessment, techniques, and course development for all should be an ongoing process. However, having been an online instructor for more than 10 years, these processes have rapidly changed and are continuing to change.
Reference:
Moller, L., Forshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008, May). The Evolution of Distance Education: Implications for Instructional Design on the Potential of the Web. TechTrends: Linking Research & Practice to Improve Learning, 52(3), 70-75. Retrieved September 17, 2009, doi:10.1007/s11528-008-0158-5
Simonson, M. (2008) Distance Education: The Next Generation. [Study video]. Retrieved September 12, 2009, from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=3206859&Survey=1&47=5050260&ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1.