Evolution of Distance Learning

Distance learning is when learning occurs outside of the traditional classroom. Virtual classrooms, eLearning, and online courses have all evolved with distance learning.

According to the California Distance Learning Project (2011),
distance learning traditionally has provided access to instructional programs for students who are separated by time and/or physical location from an instructor. Distance learning has been thought of as prepackaged text, audio, and/or video courses taken by an isolated learner with limited interaction with an instructor or other students. This perspective is changing. Today information technologies and the Internet can allow rich interactive distance learning experiences that may surpass the interactivity of a traditional classroom.

According to the Distance Learning Timeline in 1975, videotapes were used to distribute learning material. After 1979, computer technology was used to deliver online course material. In 1982, satellite TV was used to deliver content. This trend continued as technology evolved. By 1989, more than two-thirds of the U.S. offered distance learning courses.

Distance learning has also impacted the corporate world. Many job training tutorials are offered through interactive modules. The K-12 educational setting has been impacted by distance learning, too. There are free public K-12 online schools throughout the United States.

The change in learning has to do with the evolution of technology in our society. Many people have knowledge of basic technology skills. From the corporate sector to a kindergarten classroom, the presence of technology continues to impact everyone. These changes in our society have to do with the demands on our economy. Many companies find it economically cheaper to have online material available rather than pay someone from the outside to train their employees.

Since the rise of distance learning in public education, I have completed many professional development courses online that were mandatory by the district. Credits are given to the participants once the course is completed and mastery above 80% is achieved. Many of my coworkers (veteran teachers) have minimum experience using this kind of technology and found it difficult at first to navigate the course materials. So as distance learning continues to evolve, everyone must also do the same.

Distance learning is convenient. The instructor and student are both responsible for the learning process. My experience at Walden has allowed me the convenience of working and learning from home. I don't have to sit in a lecture for hours. I have the opportunity to access my course material at any time of the day.

In the future I see distance learning providing people in more remote locations the opportunity to receive the needed training and education to earn a decent living. The internet has provided people the chance to interact and socialize from almost anywhere in the world. So I see the opportunity to provide children in remote and impoverished locations the chance to receive the basic education for survival.

California Distance Learning Project (2011). What is Distance Learning? Sacramento County Office of Education. Retreived on Septemeber 7, 2012 from http://www.cdlponline.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=whatis

Distance Learning clip art. Retrieved on September 9, 2012 from http://www-onlineeducation.blogspot.com

Multimedia Program: "Distance Learning Timeline Continuum"
This multimedia, interactive timeline chronicles the evolution of distance learning from 1833-2006.