First, thanks to everyone for their feedback on my latest post ("Flat on my back!") and the kind words of support. Like I said, I'll be going to see a specialist in a few weeks.

But I also recall that I owe all of you a follow up to the previous blog entry ("Why such distance?") in which I stated that I had an idea about what's keeping "distance learning" at a distance.

Fear.

Yes, just plain irrational fear.

I tend to believe that many "traditional" instructors and school officials and administrators, especially those who have been in the system for a long period of time, may look at distance learning as a potential threat, possibly to their jobs and careers. Let's face it, if there's anything "non traditional" in education these days, it's distance learning. And this despite the fact that many long-established traditional higher learning programs also have successful and vital distance learning programs.

Change is inevitable, especially when the change is something that is in such demand by the consumers of the product itself. The product, of course, is education.

I think that those in the traditional educational system who are afraid of distance learning and the potential impact on their careers might be better served to immerse themselves in online educational programs and start to make themselves a bigger part of it. I mean, the revolution in learning is basically already here, and being afraid of it or resisting it is not going to stop the tidal wave from eventually reaching the shore.

Change is difficult. Many people are afraid of it, and some with good reason. But this revolution in learning is a positive change for everyone involved, students, parents, teachers and administrators. I'm just hoping that the teachers and staff who fear distance learning will soon embrace it as strongly as the students have.

When talking about change, I like to recall what JFK once said:
"Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future."