I feel that the framework outlined in the article was comprehensive and provided a great insight into the possible future of distance learning. I'm not sure about what I could add to the actual concept of the EMS however I did have a few thoughts/opinions about what it may need in order to be successful.
1. While I have been able to do all of the coursework for the COMET program at a distance, it is really not the same as if I had to participate in another discipline. If I needed to attend a lab class for biology or physiology then it would prove challenging if I weren't closer to the physical campus. Although technology is evolving quickly with the introduction of 3-D displays and interactive devices such as the Wii and Project Natal (Microsoft), I'm not sure that it could replace actual physical contact.
One possible solution to this problem could be a restricted distance area for specific classes that require physical lab classes. If the state school system were able to coordinate their curriculum for these courses, it might be possible to have each college become a satellite for these hands-on classes. For example, if a student were enrolled in Biology 101 in San Jose but attending a distance class in San Diego, they would be able to attend lab classes with other students at a physical campus in their own town. This would allow the student to participate in all aspects of the program while still being at a distance.
2. The stigma of distance learning is still in the minds of industry and educational leaders. While current technology offers a much more interactive experience and distance programs are becoming commonplace, unless we are able to demonstrate to employers that the degrees earned through distance programs are just as "good" as brick-and-mortar programs, there will never be enough buy-in to create change. I believe there are many political issues involved with implementing a wide-reaching distance learning program. The article does mention the loss of physical campuses as well as possibly losing athletic programs. This tradition of tying a school to the history of past family members, social and sporting events equates to a very large sum of money. This money would not necessarily be recouped through a large distance program. Also, (conspiracy theory) perhaps it isn't in the best interest of the people in power to have a completely educated population.
3. I think in order for there to be a change in the perception of distance learning we have to implement programs before a student enters college. By proving that this method works before students have to pay for college, it would create a base of customers that would be ready to enter those programs. Again, employers and heads of industry must be willing to come forward and endorse the programs and possibly sponsor students to enroll in the distance programs. If you can create demand (from the top), change will follow.
Again, I think that the article is very comprehensive and I think many of the problems that any future EMS will face will be an external rather than internal one. Especially since there are already many classes at the university level that are basically structured to attend lecture and then take a test. How difficult would that be to emulate using an EMS?
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