When did distance learning start?
When posed with the question, “When did distance learning start?” one must first define educate. To educate is defined as “to develop the knowledge, skill or character of…” (Webster, 2010) by the Webster’s Dictionary. A simpler definition is “to provide information with” (Webster, 2010).
Many times one man’s idea can change the course of how people do things or view things. For example, E.M. Forster is believed to be ahead of his time with his short story “The Machine Stops” he wrote in 1928. In this story Forster creates a world that is divided into two. The way the citizens communicate is through a contraption that acts much like an audio/visual contraption. Using this tool the citizens are able to share ideas and knowledge (Wikipedia, 2010).
Today, nearly 82 years later, students are able to study abroad without moving to another country. With the use of computers, internet, email, and applications such as Skype, Wimba, and BlackBoard students are able to communicate with each other as well as the professor on a daily basis. Distance learning can be defined as “learning that uses television, audio/video tapes, computers, internet, etc;, instead of physical attendance at classes in a centralized facility” (BuisnessDictionary, 2010).
One may not be able to produce an exact date of when distance learning began, however, by looking back in history and look at some great men and womens ideas, one can be sure distance learning was sparked from these ideas.
References:
education. (2010). In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Retrieved July 3, 2010,
from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/education
distance learning. (2010). In Businessdictionary oneline. Retrieved July 3, 2010,
from http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/distance-learning.html
The machine stops. (2010). Wikipedia.org. Retrieved July 3, 2010, from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Machine_Stops
I'm really glad to see that you covered the history of distance learning. I was actually quite surprised that its roots can be traced back so far. It appears as if certain individuals were attempting to look or invent ways to make it easier for the masses to become educated. What surprises me the most is that, given its history, that distance learning is not more widespread and is not put into its more practical use.
ReplyDeleteImagine the student whose parents must move due to work issues. Said student does not want to miss out on adventures with his friends or run the risk that the classes that have taken won't count. Distance learning could be the solution to these issues.
I never would have thought that distant learning went back over 80 years. Reason being because it seems like just yesterday, or the past 10 years, is when this “distant” learning has surfaced and become really popular. I love distant learning for its abilities it offers us, but you also have to think about what you are missing out being so far way. I feel like reading and writing about specific things is one way of learning and experience but being present and experiencing things first hand is something so great distant learning can’t achieve.
ReplyDeleteI also can't believe that distance learning began so long ago. It seems like distance learning has just gotten its feet off the ground. There are so many more effective ways that distance learning can be used. Joe mentions one situation above that never crossed my mind. I was thinking about absences due to prolonged illness or some condition and how distance learning could offer some help. Schools could use distance learning to instruct students who cannot physically be in the classroom. Distance learning would allow the student to still feel like part of the school community. I can't wait for the many more developments that I know will be coming soon in the world of distance learning!
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