Download Report: Potential for Experiential Education in Distance Learning Contexts
The literal distance inherent in online education can be an important difference between it and traditional classroom settings, such that proximate, on-site learning is thought to be where experiential, transformative education happens (Cohen, 2013). Yet it is possible that some of the most compelling, effective aspects of traditional, proximate education are transferable, and are actively being tested in distance learning environments. While these efforts are generally short-term, and are often conducted in isolation, there is potential to study these attempts, and to build on them. After establishing some common vocabulary regarding distance and experiential education, this paper shares responses from practitioners who have used experiential activities in distance contexts to both highlight potential areas for growth, and to suggest a framework for future experiential-distance integration.
