The point that stood out to me during my interview was the
impact and issues associated with scalability. Each institution desires to grow
and increase demand for its product. However, expansion affects much more than
I initially anticipated particularly at the higher education level. Once a
course is created and deployed, progress does not stop. Material have to
constantly be updated and maintained. Staff is needed to analyze the needs of
the course, created updated material, and correct technical difficulties once
the course is launched. As a university grows, the amount of individuals needed
for upkeep increase as well. Additionally, as the geographical borders expand,
special attention needs to be given to cultural and language barriers as well
as accreditation and financial aid requirements.
This point is very important as it affects many processes
and involved parties. The interview reminded me how much technology and
distance education has impacted the world. Opportunity is reaching those that
would not have opportunity otherwise. This is especially relevant to me as an
Instructional Designer. It is reassuring to know that there is a growing demand
for the position and the field in general.
Hey Brittany,
ReplyDeleteIn the light of the recent Obama care website fiasco, what might you do to avoid such a disaster in online education?
Doc
Hi Dr. Courduff,
DeleteI immediately thought of the FERPA violations that would accompany the situation if it were to occur in an online education setting. I know security is one factor that must be evaluated before a technology is adopted. In fact, last week brought a scare to Blackboard when all users were given the first name "Wendy."
Your post is so thought provoking. You may think of how a product is made but never how it's maintained. I have been consumed throughout this program thinking about putting my best work out there that I never thought of keeping up with it after the fact. For example, the webquest completed in one of my previous courses is just sitting there. Sure the content is still relevant but it can be improved and updated. I believe there is always room for improvement and distance education is no exception. Materials should not be ignored just because they are digital.
ReplyDeleteHi Brittany!
ReplyDeleteI think the point you brought up about scalability is one that I haven’t considered but think is very important applicable beyond just a higher education level. I know that when I first tried to implement a blended environment, I was not really aware of how much I would have to analyze the material for appropriateness to an online environment and correct technical difficulties. I haven’t thought about how that applies to a whole course yet either. I have had experience within a course at Liberty that was suffering from the growing pains of the dynamic nature of these courses. The updates were not as seamless as you would expect. I think that has been the exception in my experience though. I think this provides a unique perspective for me to remember as I move forward with my career. There are issues that I have dealt with in my classes that may be applicable to future endeavors and on larger scales.
Hello Brittany,
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you that after the course is put into place and the student population grows in the course the support systems have to grow with the course this does include more teachers and information technology personnel dedicated to keep the systems working. Whether the course is face to face or a distance learning course there are always updates that have to become completed to continue putting out quality education.
I really enjoyed reading your post Brittany. It sounds to me like you learned a great deal from your interview. Although I am fully aware that technology, resources, and textbooks are constantly changing, I had never really thought about all the work that it takes to maintain a classroom while also keeping the instruction and assignments relevant to today. Twenty years ago, typing a paper was not necessarily a requirement as computers and word processing was only then becoming more popular and common in households. I think of how much technology, and information has changed just as I have gone to school and realize that it must be a ton of work to keep classes current. I appreciate the knowledge you shared from your interview. Thank you!
ReplyDelete-Stephanie Reade