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= Instructional Design Principles of Distance Learning = by: Michelle Bowen Grand Canyon University TEC 571

====Distance learning is not a concept new to today's educational environment but has its origins in correspondence courses that functioned via the postal system (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, & Zvacek, 2009). When the internet was introduced to the distance learning environment in the 1990s, the quality of distance learning was challenged to improve from a teacher-centered approach to a student centered approach (Fabry, 2009) Professors were given various techniques that were able to be integrated into an online course that improved the quality of education(Simonson, et al., 2009). Tools such as discussion boards, e-mail, video conferencing, and audio files helped to demonstrate the objectives in a more clear manner and helped the student comprehend the lesson (Scerbinski, 2009). Although technology has improved the quality and level of understanding for students in a distance learning environment, there are several areas that need to be improved to enhance student engagement and meet the diverse learning styles of the students participating.====