Bonk Distance Education, Like Many

Bonk

Distance education, like many other information-based professions, have seen great transformations over the last few decades.

The rapid advances of technology and communication have provided a large platform from which both universities and other institutions could offer online programs to distance students. Indeed, distance education has become the preferred method of learning for many students as a result of its considerable advantages in terms of travel, time, and cost savings. I therefore believe that, while many of Bonk's predictions still lie in the not very distant future, several of them are already in the process of being realized.

The manner of instruction is for example already changing. Even in physical classrooms, collaborative and interactive learning activities enjoy considerable importance. Students are expected to develop critical thinking skills and help each other to arrive at their learning goals. The study material is presented to them in an engaging and fluid way. The Internet and online learning provides even more engaging possibilities in this regard. Tools such as chat rooms, email, newsgroups and the like are set up to focus upon the learning material, as well as submitting and reading one's own and others' thoughts. One of the most significant advantages of this teaching method is both its immediacy and the fact that normally shy students can raise their thoughts with greater confidence. The online environment provides students with a sense of greater security than a physical classroom. Hence they find it easier to communicate with both confidence and honesty.

Another significant factor in online teaching is quality assurance. Currently, most online graduate courses are presented by official learning institutions such as universities, colleges and schools. Often, these programs are offered in conjunction with contact sessions on the premises, or with hard-copy sources in the case of distance education. Generally, such courses are assumed to be of high quality, as they are connected with official learning centers. However, I also believe that Bonk's prediction that learning will be increasingly diversified is in the process of realizing. Many individuals are offering short email courses on a variety of both academic and non-academic topics. The rapid rise of these creates a challenge in terms of quality assurance. I do not believe that this challenge is however insurmountable. As Bonk notes, instructors will peer review each other's work and collaborate in creating a global network of learning.

A also feel that Bonk's prediction of freelance work creation for instructors via the Internet can mark the beginning of a new economic paradigm worldwide. Increasing amounts of people are engaging in online services such as writing and editing. There is no reason why the same development will not also extend to the teaching profession. The implications for job creation and opportunities for many qualified individuals are profound. This is especially so in the case of developing countries. These countries can for example experience valuable upliftment by creating opportunities for work and study in the online environment.