Distance Education; Where Do We Go In Rural America?
Within
the next 5-10 years, I think that distance education for some will remain a
concept of the future. Due to my working in a rural community, I see the
interface for some communities a challenge yet to be easily resolved.
Nevertheless, it will happen and with fidelity provided the right structure and
support. The nature of the unknown is often remaining unknown by choice and not
chance. I feel that with innovation and proactive dispositions shared by
educators, there will be a connection to what is taboo; distance learning.
Moreover, the common language should become natural to communicate which should
serve as a change agent from the unknown to a reality.
In
my district I am currently developing online courses for high school students
with the assistance of two colleagues. I am using a platform in iTunesU. I am
going make a recommendation to also use Coursesites based on my learning in
this course. It is going to be an ongoing process to introduce the concept in a
community where resources such as technology are limited. To meet this need in
my department, we will have professional learning daily which will assist in
meeting the needs of integration in rural communities.
As
an instructional designer I will make plans to attend conferences, present
papers, and host discussions on the advantages of distance education in public
education. There are programs for distance education that are being used public
education. However with the learning needs of our students, there is a concern for
more adaptive programs with content delivery variations designed to meet the
specific learning needs and outcomes of all learners. Most recently I had the
opportunity to talk with students (high school) about their experiences and
anticipations about distance education. There are so many things yet to take
into consideration per the roles and responsibilities of distance education and
the consumer.
The
conversations that were most intriguing were the ones that were shared by
students who have never taken an online course. Some of their concerns were
well received. The most alarming fact was their lack of having internet
connectivity. This is a common issue in rural communities such as Macon County
(Tuskegee, Alabama). In some of my other post, I mentioned that we are
recipients of an Apple ConnectEd Grant. On today Mr. Tim Cook – CEO of Apple
was in our district to help support and endorse this endeavor. Again, our
community is rural and resources are yet limited yet in the 21st
Century. Therefore, the concept of distance education is a stretch for some
students and educators. I see this and I am working towards a resolve. My
earning a degree in Instructional Technology and Design is my proactive
approach.
In
closing, I think that the earlier that we afford students the opportunities for
exposure we will decrease the fear towards this learning innovation. As of this
year, students in grades nine will have a required course in my school district
that will be online. The fears currently rest with both instructors and
students about this new innovation. My response; the administrative structure,
and the instructional leadership will be crafted to meet the needs of the
student and the instructor. Equally, the outcomes are designed to be met with
clear an understanding, availability of resources, and support from
face-to-face interaction. Having said, all students will be success and the
outcomes of a 5-10 year outlook are in reach for the Macon County Public School
System.
Resources:
Garrison, D.,
& Anderson, T. (2003). E-learning in the 21st century: A framework for
research and practice. London, England: Routledge/Falmer.
Posted by:
Melvin Alonza Lowe, III, EdD
