“Distance learning” has been around for a long time, but with the advent of the Internet and the development of formal online education programs, it’s moving into the mainstream.
Origins
Distance education has been around for more than 400 years. In 1728, Caleb Phillips posted an advertisement in the Boston Gazette offering to teach shorthand through lessons mailed weekly. The University of London offered the first advanced distance learning degrees, through its External Programme in 1858. That initial program has since evolved to include all levels of degrees, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma degrees.
The first president of the University of Chicago, William Harper, was one of the first to develop so-called “learning by correspondence” formal educational programs. His program allowed students to complete a maximum of 30% of their coursework by correspondence. Correspondence programs were soon taken up by other universities, such as the Universities of Kansas and Wisconsin.
Pushback from the academic community
The academic community had historically challenged the validity of these programs, in large part because there’d been no formal structure established for these classes. They also lacked incentives such as course releases or financial support for faculty, and were devoid of student interaction. Distance learning remained marginal at best for most universities and colleges, if it was allowed at all — until the advent of the Internet.
Online education, gone mainstream
Online colleges and universities are growing exponentially. In the mid-1990s, a few schools offered basic courses; today, most public and private colleges offer full academic programs online, some with face-to-face interaction for test-taking for test-taking, clinicals, etc., included as necessary. It’s especially useful to those who already work full time. In 2011, one third of United States’ students pursuing postsecondary degrees had taken accredited online courses.
Benefits of online education
It’s accessible to a larger and more diverse group of students
Distance learning gives students access to advanced education and training when they would otherwise not have it. For example, students who juggle full-time parenting and work responsibilities have traditionally had a difficult time attending formal classes on-site. The flexible, independently structured online education structure removes many of these constraints.
In addition, because distance-learning classes are not tethered to one geographic location as is true of on-site classes, the opportunities for communication and interaction among students and instructors from diverse backgrounds, locations, and experiences are limitless.
- It offers access to lifelong learning opportunities
The days when one went to college and then graduated, leaving formal education behind thereafter, may be ending. Adult learning courses, particularly in the areas of business and technology, are increasingly popular as the public hones its skills to keep up with a changing work environment, and professions like teaching have always required continuing education to maintain certification. Online education can fill that need.
- It can be less expensive
Online education can be significantly cheaper than traditional education. There are no transportation and lodging costs to worry about, and textbooks and other learning materials are offered in less expensive (or even free) electronic formats, further reducing costs.
- It can make it easier to learn
The traditional classroom setting cannot address students’ individual learning needs. However, students can structure their online coursework to address strengths and weaknesses, spending less time on concepts they already understand or learn easily, and more on those they struggle with.
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