Running head: EDUCATIONAL

Educational Technology Issue

Jason Trenz
EDU352: Foundations of Educational Technology
Instructor Sill
December 12, 2014

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Educational Technology Issue

The issue I chose was the role of distance learning. There are many reasons for choosing
this issue as there are several individuals looking to distance learning instead of a traditional
brick and mortar schools so that they might earn a degree following high school due to the
expenditure. We have a son that is nearing high school graduation. He knows that he will have
to work full time to live and pay for schooling. The best way to accommodate his job and attend
school with satisfactory grades is with distance learning. Distance learning is typically easier to
afford also. I have used distance learning and it has given me the ability to obtain a degree that
meets my personal goals as well as continue my career and spend time with my family.
There are many reasons why distance learning has become important to education as an
alternative to the traditional classroom. According to EdTechReview, the importance of distance
learning to education is that it may improve educational productivity. It also gives individuals
that do not have time or the finances for a brick and mortar school a chance at higher education.
One aspect that is particularly a benefit is those serving in the military such as myself. Because
of the distance learning, I am able to continue pursuing my degree while on active duty,
deployed in a different part of the world. In an article, Distance education in the military (2001),
it states that a big academic issue with military men and women is their inability to set up a
schedule for starting and ending a class for completion of their college education. Due to nature
of the military career, individuals face temporary duty assignments with little warning,
unexpected additional duties, and deploying to other countries that completely separates them
from any possibility of attending a traditional school.
In summary, distance learning allows individuals to earn degrees with the use of
communications technology. In this method of education, education and instruction is provided

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for students with the use of technology instead of traditional face-to-face instruction that usually
takes place inside a typical classroom setting. In the article, Distance learning (2001), many of
the students and teachers appreciate the built in flexibility that attending distance learning classes
provides. It places greater responsibility of the student while the instructor is more of a
facilitator. Students have access to digital resources including but not limited to instructors,
library, as well as other resources from the internet in order to complete their work. There are
people throughout the nation that either applaud or condemn distance learning. According to
Evaluation of a Distance Learning, Post Graduate Advanced Award in Social Work Programme
for Child and Family Social Work Supervisors and Mentors, students felt as though they were
able to plan when they wanted to work on the course and fit it around other pressures in work
and life (Bourn and Bootle, 2005). Other advantages include the financial benefits of
continuing with their education while still being able to incur an income, and a variety of
programs offered. Distance learning opens up new opportunities for students that might
otherwise be excluded from participating in the learning process. These potential learners
include individuals with limited mobility because of handicaps or obligations, such as childcare
or elderly care, or those living and working in remote areas where such education has never been
available. (Bourn and Bootle, 2005) Opponents of distance learning believe that students need
social interaction that is readily available in a traditional environment and that not everyone is
suited for distance learning. Those against distance learning point out that it is missing the need
for direct teacher-student interaction as well as student to student collaboration, and the ability to
inquire about lesson material directly. Personally, I cannot say enough about how wonderful
distance learning is for me. I am currently deployed and I will be able to complete my degree
while I am here due to this technology.

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The sources I chose for classmates to learn more about this issue are:
Belanger, F., & Jordan, D. H. (2000). Evaluation and Implementation of Distance Learning:
Technologies, Tools, and Techniques. Hershey, Pa: Idea Group. Retrieved from
http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.proxy-library.ashford.edu
Bourn, D., & Bootle, K. (2005). Evaluation of a Distance Learning, Post Graduate Advanced
Award in Social Work Programme for Child and Family Social Work Supervisors and
Mentors. Social Work Education, 24(3), 343-362. doi:10.1080/02615470500050644
Silverman, F. (2001). The Pros & Cons of Distance Learning. District Administration, 37(12),
29. Retrieved from http://eds.a.ebscohost.com.proxy-library.ashford.edu

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References

Distance learning. (2014). Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia, 1p. 1. Retrieved from
eds.a.ebscohost.com.proxy-library.ashford.edu
EdTechReview. (http://edtechreview.in/e-learning/331-online-learning-important-in-education)
Lee, J. T. (2001). Distance education in the military. Marine Corps Gazette, 85(9), 85-86.
Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com
Roblyer, M. D., & Doering, A. H. (2010, July 20). Top ten issues shaping todays technology
uses in education. Retrieved from http://www.education.com/reference/article/ten-issuesshaping-today-technology