EDolution

My personal definition of distance learning consists of a number of elements. First, there is the “distance” element which signifies that there may be an amount of space between the learning institution and the student and/or instructors. With the assistance of distance learning students can “attend” school/training etc. without the requirement of physically attending classes. Second, there is the learning element that signifies that there is an educational aspect to the term.  There are many activities/tasks that can be completed through long distances; learning is one of these activities. Distance learning is very convenient and can be the perfect option for the right individual.

After accessing this week’s resources I was impressed by the history behind distance learning. I was under the mistaken impression that distance learning, as a whole, was a new concept but I was surprised to find that I was wrong. As I was made aware of this fact I began to examine my early education for elements of distance learning and I found that I had more experience with it than I thought I did. Everyone (within reason) has had homework assigned to them; this is the most commonly experienced form of distance learning. Although homework is not what we commonly think of when we think of “distance learning” it is a, albeit minimal, example of distance learning.

In the future I think more and more people will become exposed to distance learning to a large scale, not just via their homework assignments. I think distance learning is not only extremely convenient but it also empowers the learner to take there learning into their own hands. Because of these two reasons (and many more) I feel that distance learning will only become more popular in the future.