Definition of Distance Learning

There are many different definitions of distance learning. I think this is due to people’s experience with education and technology. Students having extenuating circumstances for education, they will rely on remote learning to compensate for the inability to get to school. My definition of distance learning has changed this week from the week’s resources.

My previous understanding of distance learning was teachings through the internet or internet based products. All of my distance learning experiences have always included interactions with the internet.

Learning about the four components of distance learning changed my perspective. “The four main components that comprise distance education definition are institutionally based, interactive telecommunications, separation of teacher and student, and sharing of data, voice, and video” (Simonson, p. 32). Also learning about past non-technical distance education changed my definition. “The roots of distance education are at least 160 years old” (Simonson, p.36).

My new definition of distance learning is education where students and educators are not in the same location and are connected through technology or media. This technology can be based in or outside of the conventional classroom. In some cases the distance learning can be used to supplement conventional coursework, or even replace the entire classroom model. This broader definition has opened my eyes to possible implementations of technology to increase the student’s experience.

I believe the future of distance learning will be thoroughly integrated in education. With technology growing, it is inevitable that students and educators will benefit from distance learning. One type of technology that will be a popular platform will be mobile phones. With the use of phones among students, it can be an easily transferred into curriculums.

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2009). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (4th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.