The analysis of the Three articles of The Evolution of Distance Education: Implications for Instructional Design on the Potential of the Web

The assignment ask to make a comparative analysis based on the three assigned articles by Moller, Foshay, Huett and Coleman. Part 3. The article examines online learning in the grades of k-12. The article acknowledges that distance learning is growing at a steady rate hence, warrants the examination of the implications for Instructional Design of the web. The author acknowledges that even though online is growing learning in this method at times is not understood by educators, students and policy maker. In order for online education to take off it is important to note that the teachers that teaches, students who learn and their ability to learn all are apart of a vital process that will facilitate learning. When distance learning is practice through out the school is is often referred to as virtual schooling which is now taking off in the field of education. There are two formats to distance learning this includes "Site based Distance education and virtual. In 2001 the No Child Left Behind Act required schools to offer an alternate ways that will help advance education. Though they were shortages among teachers as well as costing to hire teachers o build new infrastructure to house students distance learning was away to broaden curriculum, and facilitate learning through having a virtual classroom. Online learning can assist in producing rich and varieties of courses. Some of the benefits to site based learning at the following: -"ensuring course content is aligned to standards and providing resources to high risk students"(Huett,Moler, Foshay, Coleman, 2008, 63). -Teachers benefits includes "potentially greater contact with students who are not normally communicative in a face-to face classroom" (Huett et. al, 2008,p.63). -Parents are able to see the progress of their child while being able to see what has transpired in a classroom setting through assignments, homework goals, as well as the achieving outcomes that are posted, while the learner is given the tools to rise to their true potential. Implications for Instructional Design Though virtual learning is an instrumental part in the learning of individuals their is a lack of teachers being trained in teaching in this are, still resistance to change by teachers, students and administration. It is important that when using this design that we be mindful that though we are using online practices we must always be mindful just like a face to face classroom that an environment that is safe and nurturing, promotes collaboration will ensure self efficacy, and motivate learners. Ensuring good research practices will assist to inform distance practice based on prior knowledge. Though very few research has been completed (Huett et. al, 2008) suggests that "distance education should move beyond comparative studies to focus on the factors that ensure successful teaching and learning (p. 65). Policy makers will also have to put forth and organizational change to embrace this new way of teaching and promote social change. Part 2- Higher Education by- Moller, Foshay, and Huett. In the opening line of the article it speaks to the burst and the growth that is occurring with distance learning. The article uses words such as "explosive" to describe how this new wave is changing countries. Unlike the article I analyzed before the main focus of this journal is to look at distance education at a higher education stand point. Due to the overwhelming adults or professionals who wishes to go back to school while continue their current employments distance learning is the place to be. Online learning is seen as a way to "sustain growth" as well as assist with budgetary restraints. The authors speaks about the craft approach which is define as "an individual teachers fully designs and develops the course and the related materials based on what has worked for them in the traditional classroom and puts it on the web"(Moller,Foshay, Huett, 2008). However the quality of distance education is dependent on the teacher and how it is taught and can not be compared to face to face. The instructional model for the two are completely different in its execution. If today teachers wishes to embrace technology they will have to change their pedagogy and therefore be cognizant of collaboration by students, course content and delivery. Time constraint and long hours may also be seen as a negative factor even though the results are most rewarding. The article also demonstrated the importance of obtaining buy in from others (educators) so that they will promote change and quality discussion between faculty and students. For elearning to become viable attitudes need to change. Part 1- Training and development Key Trends in Training. Business or corporation uses elearning because it is more economic and not having technology can be seen as a performance that is unheard of. Elearning is used to offset costs for travel and can be used by the masses. Unfortunately, adequate evaluation is not sought which managers don't view evaluation online of an importance. I feel that the articles showed different aspects and perspective of how elearning is used and the difficulties in which they undergo. I found the article enlightening and reflective. References Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008, May/June). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the Web (Part 1: Training and Development). TechTrends, 52(3), 70–75. Use the Academic Search Premier database, and search using the article's title. Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008, July/August). 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 title. Huett, J., Moller, L., Foshay, W. & Coleman, C. (2008, September/October). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the Web (Part 3: K12). TechTrends, 52(5), 63–67.Use the Academic Search Premier database, and search using the article's title.