OMDE601+-+Introduction

My first assignment, which was very enlightening, was to write a definition of distance education. My definition was:

To me, distance education means that I am able to learn in a non-traditional environment. I am able to work full-time, be a mother and wife, and at the same time be able to go to school and earn a degree by attending classes at my convenience, on-line. I have been involved in distance education through UMUC for the past three years. Distance education gives people of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, economic backgrounds, and geographic boundaries, an opportunity to pursue their high school education, career or vocational training, certifications, associate's degrees, undergraduate degrees, and graduate degrees. Distance education is not only used in the educational environment, but in the military and corporate environments.
 * What is distance education?**

In our course readings, Moore and Kearsley use the term distance education and describe it in simple vocabulary: “students and teachers are in different places for all or most of the time that they learn and teach” (p. 1). I also agree with their expanded definition of distance education, in that special course design, instruction techniques, cost, technology, and administrative arrangements are required.

Moore, M. G., & Kearsley, G. (2005). Distance education: A systems view. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth