Module 2 Blog:
George Siemens (2008) gives a compelling argument as to the growing acceptance of distance education in today’s corporate and educational spheres. I agree with his views, especially those as they relate to the communication aspect of distance education as well as its growth within the corporate arena.
Communication has evolved from telephone conferences to live video meetings through the use of Skype and other like technology software. Siemens (2008) explains that this has been fueled by “an increase in online communication and practical experiences with new tools”. He also states that “the concept of interaction of an online environment has changed” (Siemens, 2008), which is allowing individuals to become more comfortable with the ideas of distance communication.
The plethora of tools available to facilitate the growth of communication within the online environment can be overwhelming, as well as the affordability of these tools. Students have the availability of software such as Skype which is free to download and social networks such as: Facebook, MySpace, Friendster and LinkedIn which allow for information to be instantly sent to mobile devices and computers to remain connected. It has become abnormal for a cellular phone to not have a camera or a video option, as well as purchasing a camera to connect to your PC is beyond affordable.
As a whole, we as a society are beginning to understand that distance is no longer a factor and as people are overcoming the gap of discomfort in an online environment, and distance education is “becoming a preferred medium of learning” (Siemens, 2008).
References:
Laureate Education, Inc & Siemens, G. (2008). Principles of distance education. [Vodcast: The future of distance education]. Baltimore: Author.
Distance education is growing more and more every year. Also, technology is always changing. I know when it comes to a cell phone, my husband wants one of the easiest ones to use. He does not even know how to take a pictue with a cell phone. With the change of the cellphones, iPods and iPads, I think distance education will become easier to take. I know my computer crashed on me on Christmas and I could not complete all of my work, but I could get online and complete some of my work by using an iPad. My daughter has a Smartphone and she is always getting online to check her email and her facebook account. As you said distance is no longer a factor with the use of all of this new technology it will even become easier to cover the gaps.
ReplyDeleteExactly! It is so amazing to see how technology has grown just over the last 5 years! Who would have ever thought that we could almost not exist without our cellular devices.....I was assisting a younger cousin with creating a list of things he needs for college...OMG I graduated from undergrad 8 years ago and this list has changed DRASTICALLY!! The idea that he needs a laptop is mind blowing! The has no choice but to close!
ReplyDeleteI responsed to Sara Becker and Sabrina's blogs.
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