Reflection

This is my final post for the semester. I have learned a lot and hope that I was able to pass on some of my knowledge to those of you that followed my blog. This week I will be discussing the current and future perceptions of distance learning in our society. I had the chance to interview a few volunteers about distance learning and will also incorporate some of what I discovered then in this post.

There are currently a lot of different perceptions of distance learning. Some are positive and others are negative. Some of the positives are that it is very convenient and any can take them no matter what their schedule is because you get to work around your schedule. The negatives are that you don't have as much face to face time with your instructors. Also some people still believe that it isn't as prestigious as a traditional degree.

I feel that in the future distance learning will be used even more than it already is. One of it's uses I think will be more specialized for use in business. Business revolves around money and the use of distance learning, when done correctly, can save a company a lot of money in he long run.

As I discussed this week during my interviews and when talking with others I came up with ways that I, as an Instructional Designer, can promote positive perceptions of distance learning. I feel that one of those ways is to create material that will inform people of little known facts about distance learning. It could be in the form of commercials or brochures. Also when I talk with others as an instructor I can always make sure to speak well of distance learning and be positive.

A way that I can ensure to be a positive force for continuous improvement in the field of distance education is to continuously be involved in the world of distance learning and continue to learn and study. I should always try to keep up to date with the latest tools and technologies of the trade. Also If I ever create good material and ideas I could think about publishing what I've found in a book or somewhere online for others to find it.