According to historical trends, distance education will continue to grow with time; however, there may not be much difference in its design. Huett, Molley, Foshay, and Coleman (2008) all believe that one way to ensure the success of distance education is with trained professionals for instructional design team. So often faculty try to replicate an instructional design from face-to-face classes to a distance learning class and it's not successful (Simonson, 2008b). Simonson (2008b) discusses further the need for equivalency between distance education and face-to-face instruction. He states that the goal should be to achieve the same learning outsomes and within distance education, one must provide the technology resources need to achieve such outcomes.

As I reflect on distance education courses I've taken over the years, I can relate to what Simonson is saying. I've taken some classes where it was only discussion boards. The instructor was trying to hold the same discussions online as he would in the classroom without providing additional resources for the discussion. This format did not work for me as a learner and I felt that the class was a waste of time. As a potential candidate for instructing distance courses, I will have to keep in mind Simonson's Theory of Equivalency and how it can determine the success of the course.

Huett, J., Moller, L., Foshay, W.R., & Coleman, C. (2008). Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web (part 3). Tech Trends, 52(5), 63-67.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008b). Equivalency Theory [Video program]. Available from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5260640&Survey=1&47=9024095&ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1