History and Evolution from Distance Learning to E-Learning

History and Evolution from Distance Learning to E-Learning

The evolution of distance learning into modern e-learning has been instrumental, marked by milestones that have shaped the philosophy of online education. Consistently, the evolution of education has been highly dependent on advancements in fields such as technology. Undeniably, technology increases access and efficiency, as evidenced by the opening of correspondence courses and online learning platforms (Kentnor, 2015).

Historical Events

The Birth of Correspondence Courses (Early 1800s)

In the 19th Century, Correspondence education used the postal system to provide educational material and receive assignments from students (Kentnor, 2015). Notably, it was one of the earliest forms of distance education. This was an innovative method because it opened up access to people who were far away or economically and socially disadvantaged when it came to reaching or accessing these institutions.

The Rise of Online Learning Platforms (Late 20th Century)

Evidently, the introduction of the Internet changed everything. It, in fact, fueled the evolution of correspondence courses into what is recognized today as E-learning. This made the world of distant learning so advanced. There was an incredible expansion of the opportunities offered by the correspondence courses. National University developed the TTE model (National University, 2019), which relies on learners’ active and collaborative engagement (Nganji, 2018), thereby ensuring a better e-learning experience.

Impact on Philosophy of E-learning

The creation of both correspondence and online courses illustrates the philosophy of increasing access to education. The use of technology to increase participation and simplify systems resulted in the mass popularity of these platforms. Additionally, flexibility, inclusivity, and economy are also key elements of the e-learning philosophy. Since there is no need for physical classrooms, it is possible to significantly reduce travel and opportunity costs for students and instructors. This is especially important in corporate training, where e-learning allows an employee to upgrade skills without interfering with or having to quit their job.

Conclusion

The transition from correspondence courses to online platforms demonstrates the active steps being taken to broaden and optimize the learning process. While earlier versions of distance education, such as correspondence courses, provided the initial building blocks with their focus on accessibility, e-learning platforms took this concept further by incorporating modern technology to deliver captivating, individualized, and affordable courses. All these milestones prove that society is increasingly taking responsibility to extend the use and influence of education at all levels in both academic and work-related activities.

Reference

Kentnor, H. E. (2015). Distance education and the evolution of online learning in the United States. Curriculum & Teaching Dialogue, 17(1/2), 21–(Sp)34. https://digitalcommons.du.edu/law_facpub

National University. (2019, August 14). NU’s teaching through engagement (ITE) model is key to successful online learning. National University. https://www.nu.edu/blog/teaching-through-engagement-tte-model-is-key-to-successful-online-lea

Nganji, J. T. (2018). Towards learner-constructed e-learning environments for effective personal learning experiences. Behaviour & Information Technology, 37(7), 647–657. https://doi.org/10.1080/0144929X.2018.1470673

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In this assignment, you will select two events from the events in your assigned readings for this week that show the history and evolution from distance learning to e-learning. You will then review how the two events of your choice have been influenced by or led to an improved philosophy of e-learning.
Select two historical events from this week’s reading or another peer-reviewed source if you desire to do so.
• Review the historical events through the lens of the philosophy of e-learning.

History and Evolution from Distance Learning to E-Learning

This assignment should help develop a broad understanding of how society has moved from distance learning, in its historical forms, to the modern approach to e-learning over the Internet. The base philosophy has always been to improve access to formal education. In the corporate world, e-learning is a tool that improves access to training while also reducing travel costs and lowering opportunity costs.

Resources

Distance education and the evolution of online learning in the United States
Kentnor, H. E. (2015). Distance education and the evolution of online learning in the United States. Curriculum & Teaching Dialogue, 17(1/2), 21–(Sp)34.
Kentor (2015) provides a historical overview of distance learning.
NU’s teaching through engagement (TTE) model is key to successful online learning
National University. (2019, August 14). NU’s teaching through engagement (ITE) model is key to successful online learning. National University.
This is an overview of the NU teaching through engagement and how TTE contributes to student success.
Towards learner-constructed e-learning environments for effective personal learning experiences
Nganji, J. T. (2018). Towards learner-constructed e-learning environments for effective personal learning experiences. Behaviour & Information Technology, 37(7), 647–657.
Nganji (2018) discussed the design of e-learning environments using behaviorism and cognitivism as the theoretical framework.