Education Update: Distance Learning April 7, 2008
Posted by admin in : Distance Education , trackbackby John Chaplin
There is an old saying: Time moves on. That is certainly true in the world of education. In the past, higher education was strictly an option for the wealthy and privileged. Beginning in the last century, higher education became a reality for the common person. But the pace of change has not slackened up one bit!
The pundits debate what direction that higher education may take, but one thing is certain: technology has revolutionized how educational programs are being delivered. In particular, the personal computer, harnessing the power of the Internet, has helped to ’shrink’ our planet. What this ’shrinking’ means is that distance is much less of a factor in our life activities. And the importance of distance has shrunk as well in education – ushering in the era of ‘Distance Learning.’
To put it in its most simple form: distance learning means participation in academic activities (coursework) even when one is not located near the college campus. In fact, in distance learning the location of the school is irrelevant to the enrolled student. What matters is receiving the course content – whether one lives down the street or in another continent.
For those of us observing the landscape in the U.S., of course, this has a particular relevance, because of the aging of our population. And an older population means older students – students who have already taken on significant life responsibilities (job and family). Distance learning is the best – and probably only – option for them.
As more and more schools get on the distance learning bandwagon, and revamp their academic programs, this will, in turn, make it possible for an ever-widening circle of adults to take courses and eventually secure college and university degrees. As a result – and just one example – employers will gain access to a workforce that is more educated and better trained. This will pay huge dividends in employee efficiency and effectiveness on the job, and will keep our workforce equipped to pursue the best-paying jobs and careers available.
When you enroll in a distance learning program, your entire academic course of study will be handled via the Internet, using your PC at home. No doubt you will have to purchase handbooks and textbooks for offline study, but usually your class lectures and course assignments will be handled online – either in a chat room environment or through sending e-mails. Completing an assignment with other students is commonplace – and this prepares the student for the kinds of real-world collaboration that is common in many companies today.
One way in which distance learning programs differ from more traditional approaches is in the area of testing. The old approach, which stressed a kind of ‘regurgitation’ of all the course content in writing the exam, is typically not possible online as the student is not physically present in a classroom. This means that the student could look at their notes and text without impunity. So in distance learning programs you will instead complete research projects and collaborate with others on assignments. These types of activities actually force the student to take what they have (supposedly) learned and put it to good use – completing their research and course projects.
This means that distance learning programs put a premium on ‘learning by doing’ – not simply spitting out facts that have been memorized. And does this not more accurately mirror the kinds of responsibilities one has in the real world? Graduates of distance learning programs are in fact better prepared to ‘hit the ground running’ and be productive in their job from the first day of employment.
About the author: John Chaplin talks about Online Education and University of Phoenix. Learn more about obtaining online college degrees at http://www.university-phoenix.com
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