Learn from three founding fathers of distance education interviewed by Steve Wheeler #EDEN16

Summary

In this insightful conversation, Steve Wheeler interviews three distance education pioneers—Tony Bates, John Daniel, and Michael Moore—reflecting on their careers and the evolution of distance education. They discuss their initial visions, the field's growing accessibility, and how technology has reshaped education. Despite technological advancements, the term 'distance education' remains relevant, though with some conceptual confusion. The trio shares their thoughts on whether a separate theoretical framework for distance education is necessary, highlighting the importance of integrating traditional educational theory with distance learning.

Takeaways

• 😀 The European Distance and E-learning Network (EDEN) celebrated its 25th anniversary, recognizing key figures in the development of distance education.
• 😀 Steve Wheeler reflects on meeting pioneers of distance education such as John Daniel, Michael Moore, and Tony Bates, who have contributed significantly to the field.
• 😀 Tony Bates shares how the Open University’s focus on providing access to higher education for those previously excluded was a key motivator in his career.
• 😀 Over the years, the need for institutions like the Open University has diminished due to wider access to higher education, yet many of the practices have become standard in conventional universities, such as online learning.
• 😀 John Daniel explains how his interest in distance education was sparked by his internship at the Institute of Educational Technology and his subsequent work at the University of Montreal.
• 😀 Initially, distance education was seen as a low-prestige endeavor, but over time, technology and government pressure led to widespread adoption in the education system.
• 😀 Michael Moore’s journey into distance education began with his work in Africa, where he realized the potential of radio as an educational tool for people in remote areas.
• 😀 The pioneers agree that distance education has always been about increasing accessibility to education for those who would otherwise be excluded.
• 😀 While digital technologies have become ubiquitous, there is still debate around whether the term 'distance education' remains relevant or should be replaced by terms like 'online learning' or 'e-learning.'
• 😀 The pioneers acknowledge that while 'distance education' may no longer be a perfect term, it is still useful for professionals within the field as a common identifier.
• 😀 There is discussion on whether distance education requires a separate theory or can simply be viewed as a subfield of general educational theory. The consensus is that much of the general educational theory applies to distance learning as well.
• 😀 Michael Moore advocates for the development of a distinct distance education theory, seeing it as beneficial for research and for distinguishing it as a legitimate field of study.

Q & A

What was Tony Bates' initial involvement in distance education?

Tony Bates initially joined the Open University as a researcher without a specific vision for distance education. He was drawn to the University's philosophy, especially its focus on providing access to higher education for people who couldn't attend traditional universities.

How has the concept of distance education evolved over time according to Tony Bates?

Tony Bates notes that the original need for institutions like the Open University has diminished because many countries have expanded access to higher education. As a result, practices like online learning have become common in traditional universities.

What was John Daniel's first exposure to distance education?

John Daniel was introduced to distance education while doing part-time studies in educational technology in 1971. He was fascinated by the Open University and its large scale and dedication to students, which led him to pursue a career in the field.

What unexpected development did John Daniel observe regarding the growth of distance education?

John Daniel was surprised by how slowly traditional universities adapted to the changes brought about by the Open University. He thought the rise of the Open University would prompt a shift in conventional universities, but instead, technology and government pressure later accelerated that change.

How did Michael Moore's background in Africa influence his career in distance education?

Michael Moore's experience in Africa, where he learned about the potential of radio for education, deeply influenced his commitment to distance education. He was driven to create opportunities for those who were otherwise deprived of access to formal education.

What are Michael Moore's thoughts on the need for a distinct theory of distance education?

Michael Moore argues that distance education deserves its own theory because, historically, it was neglected and overlooked. He believes that developing a specific theory for the field helps classify and organize its techniques and behaviors, contributing to academic research.

Do the interviewees agree that distance education is about increasing accessibility to education?

Yes, all three interviewees emphasize that the core purpose of distance education is to make education more accessible to people who would otherwise be excluded from traditional systems.

Is the term 'distance education' still relevant in today's digital age?

The term 'distance education' is still seen as relevant within the professional community, though there is some confusion around its meaning. The interviewees agree that while newer terms like 'online learning' have emerged, 'distance education' still holds significance in distinguishing certain types of students.

What is Tony Bates' perspective on whether distance education needs its own theoretical framework?

Tony Bates believes that distance education is a subfield of general educational theory rather than a separate theoretical domain. He acknowledges that there are some unique aspects of distance education, but overall, it falls under the broader scope of educational theory.

How does John Daniel view the relationship between distance education and quality assurance?

John Daniel views distance education as essentially requiring the same quality assurance measures as traditional education. While there may be some specific considerations for distance education, he believes that high-quality education can be achieved equally, or even better, through distance learning methods.