Distance learning

History of Distance Learning (DL)

By boydj@winthrop.edu

  • First Recorded DL event

    A Swedish newspaper advertised the idea of studying Composition through the medium of the Post

  • First US DL Event

    Boston Gazette Correspondence course in composition

  • Society to Encourage Learning

    Anna Eliot Ticknor founded Society To Encourage Learning At Home to educate women. This was the first US correspondence school.

  • Colleges/Universities begin using DL

  • University of Chicago initiates Satellite Campuses

    This is considered one of the greatest contributions to academia in the late 19th century.

  • Radio incorporated in DL

    Pennsylvania State University was the first university to teach courses over the radio.

  • Introduction of TV at Iowa State University

    The State University of Iowa aired the first instructional television program.
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    TV makes DL feasible and affordable

    Colleges, universities, and other programs begin implementing courses via television, some are still in use today.

  • Internet is Here

    The use of internet and computers begins a new age of DL
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    Mobile learning, eLearning, and Learning Management Systems

    The evolution of DL has provided opportunities not only for learning, but for occupations and research.