systems
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Reflection
This essay on systems dynamics in distance education focuses on how changing one aspect of a system can change the whole system. Throughout this course and writing this essay, I have learned that all parts in a system must work together, especially in distance education. If one piece malfunctions, the student will not learn the material.
For example, I spent part of this semester overseas expecting to take this class at a distance for that span of time. However, the Internet service I was supposed to receive did not work properly and I was unable to watch and participate in the lectures. In turn, I struggled throughout the rest of the class to catch up. In this case, the technical side of the system did not work. Unfortunately, that one part caused the whole system to fail.
Through this class and as represented in this essay, I now understand that a distance educator can not focus on one part of the system. Distance education relies on many different people and technologies to function. The teacher can not neglect the technical problems while he or she focuses on the content. While the student can not neglect the discussion board posts while he or she focuses on the next assignment. These tasks work together to create the distance education class.
Despite the fact that one part failing may mean a whole-system failure, there is a positive side to working with a systems dynamic approach to distance education. The parts of the system adjust depending on the learner. Because the learner and teacher control transactional distance, a more learner-centered nature forms in distance education. The learner has more control over their learning and therefore can adjust accordingly. If the learner changes, the whole system adjusts to compensate for that change because he or she is part of the system. This presents an opportunity to reach a larger number of learners compared to a traditional education class because system includes individuality.
To sum it up, this essay explains the systems dynamic nature of distance education. We can not look at one part of distance education and understand the pros and cons. We must look at the whole system. Systems dynamics takes a holistic approach to distance learning and education in general. All of the components work together to make it a success: learners, teachers, content, technology, and so on.
[Sample artifact by Susan Connell, sample reflection by Kristina Killian]