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Reflecting on the elements of distance education of diffusion, Siemens (2009) discussed in his video the three possible elements that are creating more effective learning experiences, and giving distance education a name of its own. I selected communication as the element to expound on. Siemens' (2009) valid reasons for the growth of acceptance of distance education in our society are manifesting daily. More and more people are communicating online than ever before. I can remember how my daughter ran my land line phone bill up every month, and she also used more than her allowed minutes on her cell phone, but those days are long gone. She now almost always communicate online. This is just a simple example, but many people have chosen online communication rather than phone use. I talk online to my family, friends and "bill collectors" much more than by way of phone on any given day.

Some of the online tools that are available today to facilitate the interactions of communication among learners are: blogs, wikispaces, skype, etc. Siemens (2009) explained his version of what direction these innovations are headed in the future. He referred to the triple helix model of education, formed by universities, government, and businesses, to create a strand of interactions, in order to increase and equip our learners with online environments that will contribute to their educational experiences.

The Next Generation of Distance Education

Every student deserves exposure to resources that will enhance and increase their expectation for a complete positive learning experience. If the desires and goals of a student's education are not met, a void could possibly occur and full satisfaction will not be present.
Simonson, (2009) indicated that in the perspective of the Equivalency Theory, distance learning does not favor traditional classroom settings, but at the conclusion, it will ultimately accomplish the same results for a desired educational experience. The need to evolve distance education to the next generation is obviously a necessity to meet evey student's educational need. Students sometimes require a variety of choices when they pursue a quality education. Distance learning is a way to offe an alternative to the classroom setting.
The next generation of distance education is on the rise, becoming more comparable to the traditional classroom setting and it is growing. Distance learning has become a vehicle that more and more people are being drawn to. This increase in growth according to information obtained from the resources for comparison, is due mostly to convenience and decrease in cost.
Moller, Forshay, & Huett, (2008) have all given indications that if a program is set up appropriately, and the content is up to standard; then a positive result can occur from the standpoint of the learner. In addition, the educators must be trained properly in order to present the material in an acceptable manner.

References

Moller, L., Forshay, W., & Huett, J., (2008, May/June). Tech trends journal, parts 1-3, The

evolution of distance education, Retrieved September 15, 2009.

Simonson, M., (2009). Principles of distance education video: Equivalency theory, Retrieved

from Laurete International Universities, www.waldenu.edu