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Learning by Mail
Shorthand
Some of the earliest distance learning on record dates back to 1728. At this time students could learn how to write in short hand through lessons sent to their home weekly. These lessons were simple, practical and were taught through the mail throughout the 1700′s and 1800′s. Much like today’s on-line learner, this allowed one to gain valuable job skills even if they lived well-away from major center -
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Learning by Mail
The earliest version of distance education was through correspondence schools. This method of learning was developed in the mid-nineteenth century in Great Britain, France, Germany, and the United States.
Cornell University attempted to establish a Correspondence University based out of its campus in 1883 however the endeavor was not successful. 1883 is when correspondence education was official recognized. -
First "New" Technology
Between 1910 and 1920 a new technology emerged, instructional radio. Between 1918 and 1946 the federal government granted over 202 radio broadcasting licenses to educational institutions. This effort failed to attract a large audience, and by 1940, only one college-level credit course was still offered through instructional radio. -
A Recognition for the Need of Standards
In 1915, the National University Extension Association (NUEA) was formed. The NUEA was tasked with generating new national level guidelines for credit transfer and acceptance of credit from correspondence courses. They would also attempt to generate quality standards for correspondence educators -
Networking Computers?
1960s
In the mid-1960s MIT researcher forst propose networking computers in a defused and centralized network. This woukld allow researchers to use them form almost any location. -
Importance of Computer Begins to Grow
1970s
Computers grew in capabilities, strength and speed during the 1970s. Though still used mostly by businesses, computers become more integrated into daily life during this decade. -
We Want Networks
1980s In the 1980s the NSF began several initiatives to spread networking. One of the first networks was called CSNET. This network linked several computer science departments around the country. Universities joined forces in 1981 to form BITNET. This allowed thousands of users to experience the phenomenon of email and file sharing for the first time. This started the demand for stronger country-wide networks. -
Computers become 'personal.'
Several companies begin producing small personal computers. These computers were designed to help the masses perform everyday tasks. Meanwhile, universities and research laboratories were seeing the advent of so-called supercomputers which were used to assist in scientific research. The national Science Foundation opened several Supercomputer Centers around the country and linked them via a network in 1984. -
Public-Private Teamwork
NSF realizes that eventually these networks need to be self sufficient in regards to finances and control. They also realize that networks need to accommodate as many users as possible while possessing the ability to grow rapidly. They accomplished this by awarding a Grant to a team of public Universities. This encouraged private industry to participate in the network. Ultimately this assisted, what would become the Internet, to grow and be successful. -
We Begin Getting Caught in the Web
1990s
The 1990s is when the World Wide Web began to grow and come into its own. On August 6, 1991 the first web page was launched. It was not long before the Web caught on in broader society. -
What the Future Holds?
<a href='http://www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/nsf-net/2000s.jsp' >The Future</a
The NSF is currently researching building faster computers as well as a faster and stronger Internet. We have come a long was in twenty or so years. The future is only limited by our imaginations, curiosity, and innovation.
