Distance Education Online Articles : Education For The 21st Century: Distance Learning by John Chaplin
"Time moves on." Have you ever heard that saying? I have - and it's certainly true - and never more true in the educational world. In the distant past, higher education was something that only the rich and powerful could afford. But in the last century, more and more average persons have had this opportunity. But changes are still taking place!
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.
The U.S. has a population that is aging, as is well-known. And an aging population is one with increasing responsibilities - work as well as family - that throw up road-blocks and obstacles in the path of the would-be student. Distance learning is a solution that works for them - as academic assignments and classroom participation can now be completed around work schedules and family activities.
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.
What is a part of the distance learning experience? Well, after your enrollment is approved (and courses paid for) you will sign in(via your home PC) to a 'virtual campus,' where your course instructor, fellow students and you all interact in a kind of chat room experience. You will be given assignments there, e-mails will be used as a means of communication, and course papers will be uploaded for review. You will often be required to complete assignments in collaboration with other students - just like collaborative projects in the real world.
Course testing in distance learning programs is also unique. Instead of the traditional approach, where you would 'spit out' on paper everything that you have memorized, you will be asked instead to complete projects and collaborate with others. This is because there is no way to administer a test online in such a way to guarantee that the student doesn't look at their book/notes to cheat!
What all of this means is that distance learning programs put a premium on 'learning by doing', not the rote regurgitation of bare facts. I believe that adults who complete their studies through a good, solid distance learning program will be better prepared to 'hit the ground running' and make a solid contribution as employees in any company.
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.
The U.S. has a population that is aging, as is well-known. And an aging population is one with increasing responsibilities - work as well as family - that throw up road-blocks and obstacles in the path of the would-be student. Distance learning is a solution that works for them - as academic assignments and classroom participation can now be completed around work schedules and family activities.
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.
What is a part of the distance learning experience? Well, after your enrollment is approved (and courses paid for) you will sign in(via your home PC) to a 'virtual campus,' where your course instructor, fellow students and you all interact in a kind of chat room experience. You will be given assignments there, e-mails will be used as a means of communication, and course papers will be uploaded for review. You will often be required to complete assignments in collaboration with other students - just like collaborative projects in the real world.
Course testing in distance learning programs is also unique. Instead of the traditional approach, where you would 'spit out' on paper everything that you have memorized, you will be asked instead to complete projects and collaborate with others. This is because there is no way to administer a test online in such a way to guarantee that the student doesn't look at their book/notes to cheat!
What all of this means is that distance learning programs put a premium on 'learning by doing', not the rote regurgitation of bare facts. I believe that adults who complete their studies through a good, solid distance learning program will be better prepared to 'hit the ground running' and make a solid contribution as employees in any company.
About the Author
About the author: John Chaplin Writes about Online Education and University of Phoenix. Read about obtaining online college degrees at http://www.university-phoenix.com/Click here for other unique university of phoenix articles.
About the author: John Chaplin Writes about Online Education and University of Phoenix. Read about obtaining online college degrees at http://www.university-phoenix.com/Click here for other unique university of phoenix articles.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.