My Definition of Distance Learning

My definition of distance learning comes in two different types. To me, distance learning is the process of learning information that is presented from another person or organization in a different location.  In general, this can mean simply the information gained from internet searches or informational websites such as Wikipedia or sites more reliable. People and organizations post information on the World Wide Web all the time and the information is available for anyone who has access online. A person can go online and obtain information on just about any topic there is to know about. Demonstrations and tutorials can also be accessed.

The other type of distance learning is what I consider distance education. Distance education is obtaining information and skills like the above description, but in the form of a course. Courses are given online through universities or other institutions. Distance education can also be through courses through organizations. Some companies forward learning material to their employees.

In other words, I see distance learning as a person obtaining information from others around the world either through books, magazines, internet, or other ways of obtaining information for personal use; and distance education as this same thing, but within the structure and standards of a university, institution, or organization. To me, distance learning is informal, and distance education is formal. Simonson discusses distance learning as a part of distance education: there’s distance teaching and distance learning that makes up distance education. (Simonson, video) What I call distance learning, he calls “self-learning at a distance” (Simonson, video), which I can go along with that term.

I see distance learning growing and becoming even more popular than it is now.  Since the time I felt unsure about distance education, its popularity has grown and technologies are constantly improving and providing opportunities for distance communication. This week’s multimedia program includes how technological tools such as web 2.0 tools are greatly used and contributing to the growth of distance learning. Technological tools are constantly being implemented within companies and organizations, and school systems are also implementing new technologies to communicate with students and parents.

 

Multimedia Program: "Distance Learning Timeline Continuum"

Simonson, M. Video Program: "Distance Education: The Next Generation"