Elements of Distance Education Diffusion

As Siemens (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008) elaborates on the evolution of distance education, he recollects a time when the thought of distance education was fictional.  However, this idea has become an increasing method of instruction.  As the acceptance of distance education has progressed among a diverse population of students with a multitude of motives for enrollment, the system itself has also advanced.  It continues to modernize itself to keep up with a rapid shifting society that demands the most up to date technology, in addition to the best quality. However, distance education lends more than just the aspect of technology, but provides students with the opportunity to experience learning outside of a traditional setting.  This giving them the ability to network and collaborate with a variety to individuals from a plethora of educational, professional, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds.

Global diversity has been a major element in creating a more effective learning experience for distance education students.  Global diversity in distance education has evolved from the initial presence of distance education by allowing students the opportunities to experience a world foreign to them that would not be accessible to them in a traditional i.e. F2F setting. Students have the opportunity to collaborate with students from all over the world through the advancements of several communication technologies.  Because distance education is not limited to a specific group, its population has the ability to obtain ideas from multiple perspectives.  This will allow the students to gain insight into how various influential factors can determine the manner of how individuals view, engage in, and conclude their ideas.  It also allows them to enhance their knowledge of a particular idea through the knowledge gained from another disciplinary practice.

Tools such as email, networking sites, Skype, and video conferencing all allow distance education to continue to thrive. These tools provide a variety of alternatives for the liking of the individual. They provide the ability to have  instant access, personal dialogue, and visual presence.  In response to learners demonstrating their individuality in the learning process, it is always important to provide students with choices as to how they engage in the learning process.

Reference

Laureate Education, Inc. (2008). The Future of Distance Education. Baltimore, MD: Author

I Responded to:

Shirley Brady - http://collaboration-shirleybrady.blogspot.com/2011/06/elements-of-distance-education.html#comments

Kevin Blankenship - http://kblankenship35.blogspot.com/2011/06/elements-of-distance-education.html?showComment=1309483413287#c6545077318183765320