Module 1: The Global Knowledge Economy

Learning Journal Entry

First Thoughts

Module one beckons us to see the big picture of a Distance Education idea. I am excited about the final project because I finally get to work on an idea that I have had for two years or more. I get to “develop a legitimate, serious, and well written and researched business case proposal”. This is exciting to me. I have wanted the time to plan my business case and am grateful that this class will allow me the time to do it.

It is one thing to have an idea, but to bring that idea to fruition is entirely another. This first assignment is more than I want to think about. The federal government is slow to change. I have been thinking about my idea for a long time and have talked to several people in my office. Some embrace it, while others are so used to the way we have always done things that they can’t see my vision. My not exactly excited about talking to more people, but it has to be done. I am hoping this project will invigorate me.

I find that the more I am exposed to concepts and innovations in DE the more I want to embrace them and try them. DE is a field where you have to figure out what will work. You start with an education goal then you figure out how you can transport it to millions or at least everyone who needs it the most.

My View of Distance Education

Ever since I was exposed to Adobe Connect, I knew education had changed. I saw the possibilities of taking a course anywhere and I was never the same. While training others, I have been exposed to training companies who knew how to use the web-based platform really well. I have seen distance education at it’s best and I want to see if I can transform some of our classes.

As the Career Development Program Manager, I know first hand that in-person training can be a great opportunity for employees. Employees need to get away from their routine to focus on developing skills that will help them be better employees. I know Training can be delivered in a variety of ways and that it can be interesting and engaging.

In my work environment, immigration law courses are mandatory for every immigration office. These courses have to be taken within a prescribed time after the officers join the agency. The training is extensive and quite a hardship on our employees. I have been thinking for at least the last two years on how to ensure continuity of operations by finding ways to ensure that the classes can go on despite natural disasters and personal responsibilities.

Compliance is not negotiable in my arena. Officers have to attend class. But life gets in the way.

That’s why I have been thinking that DE is the logical choice. No matter what the circumstance we can proceed with classes.

Module one Progression

Module One started off with the bang for me. I found the articles interesting especially the ones by Peter Drucker. I remember reading him in college. It was good to see that his theories are still sound.

I enjoyed reading about the fundamentals of what a business is. We can’t get so caught up in education that we are naïve. Education is a huge business. It’s a privilege to learn so much about DE it can make a huge difference in education worldwide.

DE Innovations

I chose to study digital badges. I am looking forward to following this trend.

Personal Life

My personal life and work are both in turmoil. My mother has stage one breast cancer and that requires many doctors’ appointments. I am an only child and the only one to take her. It seems like everyone is quitting my job and we are short handed.

Studying DE makes me consider every aspect of the student’s life. My own life makes me understand that you never really know what your students are dealing with. I have always found that a great disadvantage. Communication is the key.

Also, at work, I am in a Training Professionals Certificate Program that I am required to attend.

Overall, I’m looking forward to this semester.