Distance Learning Essentials

Abstract

Time and space no longer separate learners from their instructors. The emergence of distance-learning technologies, especially the Internet and networking technologies connect learners with their instructors. Instructional resources such as training courses, instructional job aids, reference materials, training guides, and lesson plans, as well as teachers, trainers, and other learners that were traditionally available for traditional classroom settings are now attainable via distance-learning technologies by anyone, anywhere, and anytime. As the growth of new information in the digital age accelerates (Gagne, Wager, Golas, & Keller, 2005), the debate revolving around distance-learning essentials has become even more heated among the academic circles. One side of the debate, represented by senior faculty, indicates that distance learning is inferior to traditional classroom learning because it lacks the necessary “face-to-face” interaction. The other side of the debate, representing current researchers and junior faculty, contends that distance learning is no better or no worse than traditional learning, given the fact that distance learning offers both advantages and disadvantages. The same thing is true about traditional classroom learning, which also offers benefits and disadvantages. Regardless of the debate, distance learning is revolutionizing education and training, along with so many other aspects of our lives (Gagne, et al., 2005). Open any job ads for a faculty position and there must be a description requiring a potential faculty member to be able to use distance-learning technologies. Those faculty members who cannot use distance-learning technologies are truly at a disadvantage nowadays.