Timeline: Through The Years: The Evolution of Online Learning

1873

First formal correspondence school established

Founded by Ana Eliot Tickner in Boston, MA. The school was called The Society to Encourage Studies at Home.

1892

First American educational institution to offer correspondence courses.

The University of Chicago becomes the first traditional American educational institution to offer correspondence courses.

1922

First courses broadcasted over the radio

Pennsylvania State University is the first college/university to broadcast courses over the radio.

1953

First televised college classes

The University of Houston offered the first televised college classes on
channel KUHT. The station ran educational material during the week for approximately 38% of its total broadcasting time with many courses offered in the evening for those who worked during the day.

1976

Coastline Community College

The first virtual campus operating out of Fountain Valley, CA offers a degree program entirely through telecommuting courses (telephone, television, radio, records, and tapes).