Wk1

When I first started in a distance learning course I said to myself "this is going to be the hardest thing that I ever do in my life." That was about 6 years ago. To me the thought of distance learning made me cringe because I didn't think it was possible to learn without a teacher in front of me. Every time I logged in for class I had the hardest time staying motivated and getting myself together in order to finish assignments. My personal observation for this course is that it will teach me how to appreciate the luxury of learning from a distance. I hope to gain a lot of knowledge on how to teach a course from a distance to a group of learners from all age groups. Upon reading the information for this class I learned many things. One of those things is that distance education is becoming more world-wide. Because of the availability or access to internet that the world has been experiencing, everyone now has the chance to learn from a distance. Anywhere in the world now, you can be given a quality education from a great teacher. This has given many an opportunity to receive diplomas or degrees. Distance education has a major and varied impact worldwide (Simson, Smaldino, Albright, and Zvacek). In the United States in particular the ability to receive an education from a distance is always advertised. This has changed my feelings of distance learning. I have begun to feel that distance learning is the new way of giving those who are unable to go into a school building to learn a chance to learn. This is also done at the students pace or when the student is able to complete the assignments. This has taken off some of the load and self-esteem issues that people have suffered with which makes me happy to be a part of such a wonderful concept of learning that will bring in a brighter future. There are many hopes that I have for distance learning. One being that I hope it is able to help children in other countries to be educated by teachers in the states. In many countries students are unable to receive the quality education that students who are born in the states receive "free education." This would allow these students more options for higher education and even allow them to attend school here as well. To conclude, my experience with distance learning then and now has changed dramatically. From being terrified of it, to wanting it to help others it has become the way to get an education nowadays. Resources Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2012). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (5th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.