James Barzczs Position on Distance Learning - Essay Example

Distance Learning Distance learning is a process which has helped many people learn skills and gain new abilities without having to invest in travel and being placed in a learning environment that may not be customized to their needs. However, Brazcz’s position on distance learning asks distance learning to perform above and beyond its implied function. It is therefore quite easy to disagree with the position since the purpose of distance learning is not education. Distance learning is a generic term used for knowledge transfer that may use modern tools such as computer technology or other rich media methods such as DVD, compact disk and other audio visual tools.

It may also use web based learning materials for the students where distance learning and self paced learning becomes a part and parcel of the e-learning environment (Sloman and Rolph, 2003). Since training and skills development is a part of the human resource development functions which a modern company has to perform, businesses have tended to enhance the company functions of training their employees with the use of distance learning.In practical terms, the CIPD reported four years ago that several organizations in the UK including The Bank of Scotland, Nestle, Scottish Power, Retail.

org, Shell, Glasgow City Council and several others had used distance learning with success (Sloman and Rolph, 2003). More recently i.e. in 2007, the CIPD declared that more than half the companies in the UK (54%) were using distance learning on a regular basis while another 39% had plans to begin using it in 2007. In terms of accepted use, more than two-thirds considered distance learning to be a success (CIPD, 2007). Thus as far as educating people in terms of material skills and giving them knowledge on how to operate or maintain certain pieces of equipment is concerned, distance learning seems to be quite a success.

Every successful user manual is a perfect example of how distance learning can work across barriers of age or culture. In essence, distance learning does fulfill the role of education since it allows us to create a situation where people can be taught new skills and abilities. Consider a person learning psychology, sociology or even history through distance education. Is it not likely that this particular person could understand things better since his/her intellect could be improved? How about the case of teaching someone a course on ethics as a distance education program?

Would that person not know the difference between right and wrong after s/he had taken that course? Would they not have a slight improvement in their ethics and character? I believe that these questions can be answered with empirical studies much better than simple statements which deny any room for distance education and until such studies are made it would be unwise to agree with the position taken by Barzcz. Word Count: 501 Works Cited CIPD. 2007, ‘E-learning: progress and prospects’, [Online] Available at: http://www.cipd.co.

uk/subjects/lrnanddev/elearning/elearnprog.htm?IsSrchRes=1 Sloman, M and Rolph, J. 2003, E-learning: The learning curve. CIPD.