Distance Learner Must Also Discussion

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Part I: Vision Statement

The calling of this distance learning program is to provide academics with a technically advanced, carefully administered, affordable, and spiritually enriching approach to enhance the educational abilities of students, K-12, in the non-traditional, off-site, environment.

Part II: Statement Explanation

This statement combines guideposts from sources and personal sentiments. It is not a new concept that technology is an integral part of distance learning. In order to effectively provide better than adequate programming, the distance learner must also secure ample networking for given resources and services (Simonson, Smaldino, & Zvacek, 2015; Spector, Merrill, Elen, & Bishop, 2014). These sources vary in accessibility and quality, but are yet an integral element to success. Unfortunately, in many cases, quality networking and resources can also come with a price tag. Providing either free, or affordable, options in which to network and supplement the educational experience are paramount in order to offer fully accessible distance learning program. With effective programming, distance learning educational delivery does not negatively affect a student’s outcome when compared to a traditional classroom (Simonson, Smaldino, & Zvacek, 2015). Khanna (2019) refers, in part, to this effective programming as good governance. This governance refers to a combination of successful administration, implementation, and resources (Khanna, 2019). The technically specific piece to education as a whole, while something I am considerably unfamiliar but am learning, is a rapidly adapting element that has been changing the face of our culture. Spector, Merrill, Elen, and Bishop (2014) speak on behalf of the numerous intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs) which are making their way into the classroom, office, and home. It fascinates me to no end, the far-reaching capabilities that AI has in the learning environment; providing innovating platforms upon which to alter and improve the students’ learning process. As far as the spiritual element, keeping a Christ centered element to learning is vital in a Christian student’s life. Giving students a solid foundation upon which to enrich their education must be an unceasing endeavor on the part of the Christian educator.

Resources:

Khanna, P. (2019). A governance operating model for open and distance learning institutions. Education and Information Technologies, 24(1), 531-547. doi:10.1007/s10639-018-9790-7

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2015). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education. (6th ed.) Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

Spector, J. M., Merrill, M. D., Elen, J., & Bishop, M. J. (2014). Handbook of research for educational communications and technology. (4th ed.) New York, NY: Springer