From the early simple correspondence courses of letters mailed and assignments returned by mail to the present-day sophisticated online platforms with e-learning profiles for each student, distance learning in the last one hundred years has really undergone a sea change. This change is at par with the progress of technology, changing learning needs, and greater access to education.
Distance learning assumed two major forms in the early 20th century: correspondence courses provided by universities and other educational institutions by way of sending instructional materials via the postal service. These correspondence courses, which used to allot texts, assignments, and exams that had been mailed to the student, returned similarly. It allowed for geographical, professional, or personal reasons that prevented a learner from attending regular classes to pursue education. Correspondingly, in spite of the advantages, correspondence courses had significant disadvantages like delayed feedback and inability for real-time interaction between students and instructors.
New technologies in the 1970s and 1980s began to reshape distance learning. Television and radio emanated into the home with educational programming on subjects of every interest. It was during this era when institutions began offering classes using broadcast media-innovative, but fraught with limitations as regards interactivity and personalization. While early computer technologies and, eventually, the use of the Internet began to hint at the possibility for more dynamic forms of distance learning, any practical application was still in its infancy.
All of that would change dramatically with the introduction of the 1990s. As more schools gained access to broadband connectivity, some started experimenting with offering courses online. Early platforms were rudimentary, mostly limited to text-based content, but this set the scene for more complex systems that could emerge. Development in LMS systems such as Blackboard and Moodle revolutionized this field by setting up a structured environment in which educators could deliver course materials, administer quizzes, and facilitate discussions online. The same period also saw the development and proliferation of distance education providers, such as the University of Phoenix and Open University, which began to capitalize on online tools to offer accredited degrees.
With the advent of the 2000s, this technology further diffused with the spread of Web 2.0 technologies. Nowadays, social media, video conferencing, and interactive content are some of the aspects powering and enriching online learning. Soon, Coursera and edX started to develop their MOOCs: classes available for the entire world, which included the best teaching and curricula provided by top-ranked universities. In addition to offering a wide range of subject matter, these platforms are equipped with interactive features such as forums, peer review, and multimedia lectures that greatly enhance learning.
Of late, these modes of distance learning have been further enhanced through the use of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and gamification. AI tools provide personalized experiences automatically, thanks to the modifications of content and assessments in response to the needs of each student. Virtual reality displays immersive learning environments that can simulate real-life scenarios much more virtually and interactively for difficult subjects. Gamification embeds game-like elements into the learning process, enticing students through rewards and interaction.
Nowadays, distance learning has found its place in the mainstream of education. The flexibility and accessibility it offers have already been experienced by millions all over the world. From correspondence courses to state-of-the-art online networks, technology has elevated learning to the next level, making it interactive, individualized, and accessible. And with further improvement in technology, this area of learning may continue to evolve, promising even more innovative ways to educate and engage students across the globe.
