Jessica,

We like clear, succinct, well-cited and well written essays. This exactly what
you have delivered here. You state right up front your purpose, the
definition you chose and then discuss and explain how it aligned with your
own personal definition of DE.
Overall, just good academic writing and that we enjoyed reading.
Cheers,
Don and Lisa
GRADE: 95

Jessica Ransome
OMDE601 9040 Section 9040
February 14, 2016
Defining Distance Education
Turnitin.com Originality Score: 8%

Defining Distance Education Jessica Ransome

Defining Distance Education

E-learning, Online Learning, Open learning, Blended Learning, Virtual Learning
are all terms used to describe Distance Education (Bates, 2005). So what is distance
education really? For me the simple definition of distance education is educators
using various types of multimedia and technology to deliver virtual
learning experiences to students in remote locations. In my research, the
definition that most closely aligns with mine is found in Michael G. Moore and Greg
Kearsleys Distance Education: A Systems View of Online Learning and it states
distance education is the interplay between people who are teachers and learners,
in environments that have the special characteristic of being separate from one
another, and a consequent set of special teaching and learning behaviors (Moore
and Kearsley, 1996, p. 200). The key words that are similar in our definitions are
educators, technology, and location. I will briefly cover each of these areas .
People
Although in my definition, I reference teachers and students and Moore and
Kearsley use educators and learners, we both are talking about the same thing, the
people factor. I believe the relationship between the teacher and student plays a
significant role in the success of the learning outcomes and it is important to make
sure personal interaction is supported as much as possible when delivering a
distance learning program. Moore and Kearsley makes this point by saying, in
distance education the separation of teacher and learner significantly affected their
behaviors (Moore and Kearsley, 1996, p. 200). Fortunately, as we discuss in the
next section, technology allows educators to bridge the distance gap between
themselves and their students.

Defining Distance Education Jessica Ransome

Multimedia and Technology

Technology plays a critical role in a successful distance learning. In my
definition, I included various types of multimedia and technology because with
todays ongoing technological advancements both are increasingly used to improve
the quality of the distance learning instruction. In Moore and Kearsleys definition,
they reference this technology as special teaching and behaviors (Moore &
Kearsley, 2012, p. 2). The days of sitting at a desk in a classroom listening to an
instructor deliver a lecture are being replaced with blended and virtual learning
opportunities. As stated by Otto Peters, we are approaching a fourth period, or
pedagogical revolution caused by an ever increasing amount of digital learning
(Peters, 2005, p. 20). By using these new and emerging technologies, educators can
now create sustainable communities of learners to enhance student learning,
sustain interaction, and improve collaboration. Next, lets look at the role location
plays in distance learning.
Location
Although Moore and Kearsleys definition defines location as being separate
from one another (Moore & Kearsley, 2012, p. 2) and mine states students in
remote locations, both are really the same. Location actually involves students
using technology to receive facilitated instruction from different locations than that
of their instructor. It allows students and teachers to meet together online in a
virtual learning environment.
Summary
Distance education has evolved over the years and it will continue to play a
larger role in our educational system. As students continue to juggle demanding

Defining Distance Education Jessica Ransome

jobs and family responsibilities, distance learning affords learners the opportunity to
complete their educational goals from anywhere at their convenience. This
document reviewed the three similar components of two distance learning
definitions: Educators, technology, and location.

References
Bates, A.W. (2005). Technology, e-Learning and Distance Education. London/New
York:

RoutledgeFalmer. Retrieved from

http://www.tonybates.ca/2008/07/07/what-is-distanceeducation/#sthash.MYbfpxhB.dpuf

Holmberg, B. (2005). Concepts and terminology - Student bodies. The evolution,

principles, and practice of distance education. Oldenburg, Germany: BIS-Verlag
der Carl von Ossietzky Universitt Oldenburg (pp. 9-11). Retrieved from
http://www.box.com/shared/y97qyc7m0t

Moore, M. G., & Kearsley, G. (2012). Distance education: A systems view of online
learning
(Chapter 1, pp. 1-22). USA: Wadsworth-Cengage Learning. [eReserves].

Moore, M. G., & Kearsley, G. (1996). Distance education: A systems view. Belmont,
CA:
Wadsworth Publishing Company.

Defining Distance Education Jessica Ransome

Peters, O. (2004). Growing importance of distance education in the world. In O.

Peters,
Distance education in transition: New trends and challenges (4th edition) (pp.
13-24).
Oldenburg, Germany: BIS-Verlag der Carl von Ossietzky Universitt Oldenburg.
Retrieved
from http://www.box.com/shared/5x3tpynqqf