The Next Generation of Distance Education

As the thought and popularity of distance education heightens, there are many entities where distance education can improve. According to Huett, Foshay, and Moller,“Distance learning is rapidly becoming a popular choice for continuing professional education, mid-career degree programs, and lifelong learners of all kind. The primary driving forces of developing distance education are economics and access” ( 2008). The need for convenience and availability is in high demand in the lives of many. Allowing parents, professionals, and busy everyday individuals the opportunity to advance their degrees, stay abreast of changing technology, and to excel academically and professionally, distance learning has dramatically change the lives of many. In addition, distance learning increases students motivation to learn, provides equivalent learning experiences versus those in traditional classrooms, and offers advancements on investments for colleges and universities (Simonson, 2008).

From this weeks reading, I must agree with these concepts and opinions. Distance education is very effective and beneficial to the masses. This includes students, colleges and universities, and instructors. The institution benefits from having a great mass of students, as well as more money(Huett, 2008). Faculty members and students are afforded the opportunity to relax and practice time management, having a workable and stress free schedule. Students are granted the opportunity to receive an education that works around their daily schedules. This allows them to become self-motivators, responsible, and in charge of their learning experience. Distance education allows everyday people the opportunity to excel academically with peace of mind and a less stressful conscious. It is easier than ever before!

Huett, J., Foshay, W., & Moller, L. (2008, May/June). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web (Part 2: Higher education). TechTrends, 52(4), 66-70. Use the Academic Search Premier database, and search using the article's Accession Number: 33991516.

Simonson, M. (2008). Equivalency theory. Laureate Education, Inc. Baltimore: Author.