The Theory of Independent Study in Distance Ed

American Educational Values in Online Learning

Sep 9, 2009

Learner independence combined with the integration of technology has given rise to a new theory of independent study which serves as the basis of online learning.

The theory of independent study holds a place of great importance in understanding the tenets of distance education in America today. The field of distance education in the United States has recently expanded to include uniquely American educational concepts; it is this unique theory of independent study which constitutes the foundation of online learning in the United States.

Characteristics of an American Theory of Independent Study

As advanced communication technologies become increasingly available, the educational system has begun to realize the need for a unique form of distance education that retains the traditional aspects of American education, yet utilizes the opportunities now available via technology.

Technology and Theory in Online Learning

Technology has changed the face of education in countless ways. The widespread use of the Internet has globalized education and enabled online learning institutions to offer courses to students anywhere in the world. Students are now routinely taught from an early age how to use the Web to access and gather information, how to use email for communications, and how to send and receive assignments.

Educational software such as WebCT and Blackboard allow online instructors to easily engage with students, manage their assignments and assessments, and evaluate student performance. The structure of distance learning gives online students the flexibility of having a personalized pace of study, an educational forum of their choice, and increased opportunities in courses, formats and methodologies. All of these advantages reflect the ever-changing theory of independent study, while maintaining the long-standing characteristics of American education.

Theories of Distance Education

An important foundation of distance education is that successful teaching can take place even though teacher and student are physically separated during the learning process, and this independence is the essence of distance education. In order to further understand how the concept of distance education works, it is necessary to identify the critical elements involved in its theory.

In his landmark work, The Foundations of Distance Education [Routledge,1986], Desmond Keegan classified the theories of distance education into three groups:

These classical theories emphasize the notion that distance education, while fundamentally different from conventional education in many ways, continues to rely upon the values and traditions of the American educational system and its theory of independent study.

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