Ten years ago, as a Masters student, I was introduced to 'Blackboard'. Our professor, Dr. Doris Wright, was convinced that distance learning was the future of higher education; I was convinced that she was crazy. In my naiveté I could not imagine a world beyond the traditional brick and mortar campus. Even greater was my disbelief that anyone would want to participate in higher education in this way when the "fun" of being a college student is being on campus.
I believe some of my initial thoughts about distance learning remain true. Much of the learning that takes place on college campuses occurs outside of the classroom. This learning takes place as students participate in clubs and organizations, attend performances, become active members of the community, and interact with hall mates in the residence halls. It is difficult, if not impossible, to recreate the experience of living, growing, and developing amongst peers and in a distance learning situation there is a loss of what makes "going away to college" so exciting.
That being said, I know now that most of my initial thoughts on distance learning were completely arrogant and unfounded. As an educator I believe strongly in access and equity in education. It seems to me that distance learning provides a greater number of students access to education that could potentially change the trajectory of a student's life. Most people attend college, or some form of continuing education, to earn a degree or certificate that, at least in theory, will provide them opportunities that would not otherwise be available with a high school diploma or GED certificate. In this way there is power and strength in the future of education as we move from what we know to be true to the possibilities of tomorrow.
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