Learning Journal #1 eLearning Technology On-line learning and distance education is no longer the wave of the future but

t the here-andnow. I would like to share my thoughts after reading David Nagels article, 6 Technologies That Will Impact Higher Ed from the perspective of an end user. The introductory paragraph states that: Wearable gadgets, gamification, and learning analytics are three of six technologies that will have a major impact on strategic technology planning in higher education in the next five years, according to the latest NMC Horizon Report released by the New Medial Consortium and the Educause Learning Initiative (Nagel, 2011). There can be no doubt that technological advancements impact the delivery of education and how learning is achieved; however, their benefits AND detriments depend largely on learner population and any discussion of efficacy must include availability and implementation by end users. While we all can agree on the benefits, we may disagree, or at the very least, argue, the pros and cons of: 1. The cost and availability of constantly changing technology stresses the already stressed financial status of low income and rural populations. One of the primary purposes of distance education is to make learning available to all who desire it; however, location, cost and availability of the necessary technology often prevents participation from learner populations that would gain the most significant benefits from access. 2. For learners who do have ready access to new technology, the desire to have the latest and the greatest often places more of emphasis on the devices, not the educational concepts to be learned through usage. 3. Emerging technology associated with gamification and wearable devices will require training to use properly; which may or may not be possible for some learner populations and educators (Nagel, 2011). 4. MOOCs are an outstanding delivery system that brings information and curricula to large populations and locations where access to a standard classroom is out of reach. Something we take for granted is the availability of very basic needs including electricity, computers and the internet. Remove or limit any one of these and on-line learning is not an option. 5. Another concept that may well be widely taken for granted in the education community is Digital Literacy, particularly to adult and senior populations of learners (Nagel, 2011). While I consider myself to be computer literate, I have worked closely with students who, although they use computers for assignments, can do little beyond open, create, edit, save, print and close. In many instances, learners will limit their use of hardware and software functions to what they need to get the job done and little else.

While are all excited about the popularity and growth of on-line learning, there are considerable challenges ahead. While we spend time focusing on making educational delivery even better, we still need to consider former and current delivery methods and the obstacles that are created for both students and teachers as the transition to virtual education continues to evolve.

References Nagel, D. (2011, May 17). 6 technologies that will change education. The Journal: Transforming Education Through Technology, Retrieved from http://thejournal.com/Articles/2011/05/17/6-Technologies-That-Will-ChangeEducation-aspx?Page=2.