Challenges and perspectives in the evolution of distance and online education towards higher technological environments

This article explores a proposal of continuous transformation in distance and online learning scopes in view of past, current and future emerging technologies. It traces the distance and online education from traditional learning models to the integration of advanced technology with Learning Managem...

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Main Authors: Julián Roa González, Natalia Sánchez Sánchez, Isaac Seoane Pujol, José L. Díaz Palencia
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2025-12-01
Series:Cogent Education
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/2331186X.2024.2447168
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author Julián Roa González
Natalia Sánchez Sánchez
Isaac Seoane Pujol
José L. Díaz Palencia
author_facet Julián Roa González
Natalia Sánchez Sánchez
Isaac Seoane Pujol
José L. Díaz Palencia
author_sort Julián Roa González
collection DOAJ
description This article explores a proposal of continuous transformation in distance and online learning scopes in view of past, current and future emerging technologies. It traces the distance and online education from traditional learning models to the integration of advanced technology with Learning Management Systems (LMS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Virtual Reality (VR). The shift towards more technology-enhanced learning environments is examined within multimedia learning principles, and the challenges posed by the digital divide. This study explores a phased approach to technology integration aiming to boost interactive learning opportunities including the potential use of the metaverse. The pedagogical strategies are discussed, emphasizing the importance of addressing diverse learner needs while promoting digital literacy. This article represents the initial phase of a broader longitudinal study aimed at observing the progression in the implementation of technology in online and distance education. Future studies will delve into aspects related to the research methodology, although this work introduces general principles. The article concludes with a reflection on the future of online and distance education, advocating for continued innovation to enhance educational accessibility, engagement, and outcomes for learners globally.
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institution Kabale University
issn 2331-186X
language English
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publisher Taylor & Francis Group
record_format Article
series Cogent Education
spelling doaj-art-e9ee5a600e3746ff87ae8923ae6d915c2025-01-07T14:31:37ZengTaylor & Francis GroupCogent Education2331-186X2025-12-0112110.1080/2331186X.2024.2447168Challenges and perspectives in the evolution of distance and online education towards higher technological environmentsJulián Roa González0Natalia Sánchez Sánchez1Isaac Seoane Pujol2José L. Díaz Palencia3Universidad a Distancia de Madrid, Madrid, SpainUniversidad a Distancia de Madrid, Madrid, SpainUniversidad a Distancia de Madrid, Madrid, SpainUniversidad a Distancia de Madrid, Madrid, SpainThis article explores a proposal of continuous transformation in distance and online learning scopes in view of past, current and future emerging technologies. It traces the distance and online education from traditional learning models to the integration of advanced technology with Learning Management Systems (LMS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Virtual Reality (VR). The shift towards more technology-enhanced learning environments is examined within multimedia learning principles, and the challenges posed by the digital divide. This study explores a phased approach to technology integration aiming to boost interactive learning opportunities including the potential use of the metaverse. The pedagogical strategies are discussed, emphasizing the importance of addressing diverse learner needs while promoting digital literacy. This article represents the initial phase of a broader longitudinal study aimed at observing the progression in the implementation of technology in online and distance education. Future studies will delve into aspects related to the research methodology, although this work introduces general principles. The article concludes with a reflection on the future of online and distance education, advocating for continued innovation to enhance educational accessibility, engagement, and outcomes for learners globally.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/2331186X.2024.2447168Distance educationonline learningemerging technologiesdigital dividemultimedia learningvirtual reality
spellingShingle Julián Roa González
Natalia Sánchez Sánchez
Isaac Seoane Pujol
José L. Díaz Palencia
Challenges and perspectives in the evolution of distance and online education towards higher technological environments
Cogent Education
Distance education
online learning
emerging technologies
digital divide
multimedia learning
virtual reality
title Challenges and perspectives in the evolution of distance and online education towards higher technological environments
title_full Challenges and perspectives in the evolution of distance and online education towards higher technological environments
title_fullStr Challenges and perspectives in the evolution of distance and online education towards higher technological environments
title_full_unstemmed Challenges and perspectives in the evolution of distance and online education towards higher technological environments
title_short Challenges and perspectives in the evolution of distance and online education towards higher technological environments
title_sort challenges and perspectives in the evolution of distance and online education towards higher technological environments
topic Distance education
online learning
emerging technologies
digital divide
multimedia learning
virtual reality
url https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/2331186X.2024.2447168
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AT nataliasanchezsanchez challengesandperspectivesintheevolutionofdistanceandonlineeducationtowardshighertechnologicalenvironments
AT isaacseoanepujol challengesandperspectivesintheevolutionofdistanceandonlineeducationtowardshighertechnologicalenvironments
AT joseldiazpalencia challengesandperspectivesintheevolutionofdistanceandonlineeducationtowardshighertechnologicalenvironments