Trends In Education: Distance Learning

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!

Where is higher education heading in our century, the 21st century? Perhaps the most fundamental shift has occurred because of the availability of the PC (personal computer) and the Internet. Because of the Internet, our planet is 'shrinking' - and distance is less of a factor in our travel and in our decision-making. It is now possible to carry on all sorts of activities with others physically located all over the globe. In educational circles this has ushered in the era of 'Distance Learning.'

Let's put it in it's most simple form: Distance learning means that a student can participate in class - in India, let's say - when the school is located in Boise, Idaho. Distance is no longer an obstacle - in fact, distance from the school, from the instructor, or from one's fellow-students has become irrelevant. What matters now is receiving the course content, whether one lives down the street or in another continent.

All of this has particular relevance for the United States, of course, as our population is aging. And the older the student, the more life responsibilities she or he has probably taken on - child rearing, full-time jobs, etc. Distance learning is an option - perhaps the only option - that will work for them. Course assignments and projects can now be scheduled around other life activities. A brave new world, indeed!

Here's our take on the situation: as more and more schools start distance learning programs, more and more adults will take advantage of them and enroll. And when these students graduate, they will bring their up-to-date skill sets into the workplace. As a result, business will greatly benefit. Overall, we can see the American worker becoming more and more efficient. Our workforce will then be positioned to keep - and retain - better paying jobs, as we compete in the global marketplace.

What happens when you enroll in a distance learning program? Well, imagine a world where your entire academic program of study is handled via the Internet, using your PC at home. You will have to complete some assignments offline, of course (primarily the reading of required texts), but typically your class assignments and course (instructor) lectures will take place in an online environment. You will sign in to 'virtual classrooms' - a kind of chat room - to hear (and see!) your instructor. Communications not handled in-class will be taken care of through e-mails.

One of the great things about most distance learning programs is their approach to testing (exams). It is very difficult to replicate traditional examinations online. That is because those kinds of tests basically ask the student to repeat memorized information on paper. Since the student is offline, it is impossible to keep them from looking at their books and notes - so many schools offering distance learning programs have taken a different approach: completion of projects and research that force the student to take the information that they should have mastered, and use that in some way to complete the assignment.

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.