In reaction to Simonsons Equivalence Theory, I can conclude that this theory pinpoints the root

goal and the problems associated with distance learning. As a distance learner myself, I am
expecting to have a quality education with the intention of equivalent work and production
load as the traditional learner. I can agree with Simonsons statement students say it is not
their choice to learn at a distance, and students are increasingly demanding to be allowed to
learn at distance (Pg 5). Personally, I would rather attend classes and listen to a lecture face to
face but given my situation as a mother and head of the household, this is not possible.
However when deciding to enroll in a distance education program, I did not expect an
education that lacked the quality of a traditional classroom.
Simonsons theory also states that if the learning experiences can become more equivalent
than this will in turn produce equivalent learning outcomes. When Simonson makes this
statement, I am drawn to the thought of job opportunity after the completion of my program.
My goal would be that I am an equivalent candidate for an opportunity when aligned with a
traditional student. If a distance education programs goal is equivalent; I would find it
interesting to research and collect the data of the hiring committees to create a comparative
analysis of persons hired who completed a distance program vs. the traditional program.
To address the learners associated with Simonsons theory, the equivalency of learning
expectations and outcomes is a theory that I believe would benefit all learners, in contrast to
Knowles theory using adult learners. In my experience there are a variety of learners that use
and benefit from distance education. A large portion of the community of distance students
consists in the K-12 grades. These students can be enrolled in the program for a number of
reasons and Simonsons theory would support their educational needs.
I can also agree with the component of creating a valid learning experience. In my current
classroom multiple strategies are needed to teach a single concept. In my goal to create a
successful transfer of knowledge I allow my students to participate in various learning
strategies and aim at creating learning experiences essential that specific learners and specific
topics of interest.
To conclude I can agree with Simonsons Equivalence Theory. I believe he created a theory that
creates equal responsibility on the student and the instructor. He states the importance of
creating learning experiences essential to different learners, and most importantly creating
equality amongst the distance learning experience and the traditional learning experience.