Authors on distance ed compared

The three articles which were written by Moller, Foshay, Huett discuss e-learning from three different
perspectives: - corporate, higher education and K-12. Dr Simonson on the other hand presents some background on the concepts of e-learning and distance education. He dissects Distance education to show its component parts so that people better understand the concept. All four authors share the view that distance education is growing at a tremendous rate and that it is about the reach its critical mass. While distance education is about to reach its critical mass, there are hundreds of people out there who do not quite understand and appreciate the value of distance education. How many of them realize that distance education gives everyone a fair chance at succeeding? In distance education you can access the best instructors, have more options in your program and you can effectively advance your studies without leaving home. This is good for you family, your employer who has access to your expertise and for you financially as well. Distance education is customizable and affordable so it is a very good option for poorer countries as well as the rich.
There is a slight contradiction between Simonson’s discourse and the writing of Moller, Foshay and Huet. Simonson postulates that distance education will continue to grow but Moller et al hold the view that structural changes needed to be made if distance education ought to be successful.

My View:
I am of the view that distance education is still evolving even though it is bringing huge successes to countries all over the world. Contrary to the view held by Moller, et al, distance education will grow and be driven economics and access. In other words, whether or not educators, educational administration, and business managers re-evaluate e-learning and its policies, e-learning will continue grow at an impressive rate.

References:
Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008, May/June). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web (Part 1) Tech/Trends, 52(3), 70-75.
Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008, May/June). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web (Part 2). Tech/Trends, 52(4), 66-70.
Huett, J., Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Coleman, C. (2008, September/October). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web (Part 3). Tech/Trends, 52(5). 63-67.Simonson, M. (n.d.). Distance Education: The Next Generation. [Study video]. Retrieved Sept. 12, 2009, from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=3206859&Survey=1&47=5050260&ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1.