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In 1858 the University of London started offering studies that could be taken across the globe. They offered courses in education, modern languages, and laboratory sciences. During WWI and WWII soldiers were able to study and take exams so after the war was over they could use their degree for new opportunities. History of the University of London. (n.d.). Retrieved April 30, 2021, from https://london.ac.uk/about-us/history-university-london -
In 1950, Iowa State University aired the first educationally owned television station. The program was lapsed in the 1960's due to a lack of success. This foundation later lead to the success of community TV that we see today with educational shows. History of telecourses. (n.d.) from https://www.tecweb.org/eddevel/telecon/de92.html -
In 1986 about 25% of high schools looked to PCs for college readiness and career preparedness. This allowed for students to start using technology that they were going to use in their soon-to-be careers. Although the technology then is not what we see today in the workplace it did set the bar for the fast-paced changes we have seen recently. History of computers in education. (n.d.), from https://web.csulb.edu/~murdock/histofcs.html -
In 1989 the University of Phoenix offered its first online course. The start of the program was a little slow but then expanded very quickly in 1994. Once the year 2000 came around the school enrollment was over 100,000. Just 10 years later enrollment was more than 600,000. During this time period, the at-home computer also became very popular making these courses more accessible to working-class students
University of Phoenix. (n.d.) from https://www.britannica.com/topic/University-of-Phoenix -
The SMART Board allows teachers and students to interactively work over the internet together.
Sutori. (n.d.). from https://www.sutori.com/item/the-invention-of-the-smart-board-1991-the-smartboard-was-invented-by-david-ma -
Web cameras that are compatible with Zoom, Skype, and other platforms allow students to receive face-to-face help while still being distant over the computer.
The history of the webcam. (n.d.). from https://www.techwalla.com/articles/the-history-of-the-webcam -
The at-home computer became popular and more accessible. -
Post started their online program. Since the start of the program, they have acquired several other institutions and offer degrees from Associates to Doctoral. Their programs have grown in popularity with the University of Phoenix and Southern New Hampshire State University. -
President Barack Obama funded new online course materials. This gave schools that were underfunded to be competitive with schools in their areas. It also helped close the digital gap for a period of time as technology changed quickly.
Klein, A. (2009, April 28). Education funds a selling point on obama budget. from https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/education-funds-a-selling-point-on-obama-budget/2009/04 -
Google Classroom created an online environment that was able to mimic the college setting for grades k-12. This gives students a chance to be more well versed in technology as they go through school to be better prepared for the workforce outside of school.
390, 10, 44842, & 61029. (2020, July 31). How does google classroom improve teaching and learning? from https://www.thetechedvocate.org/how-does-google-classroom-improve-teaching-and-learning/ -
Covid-19 caused schools across the globe to quickly switch to virtual learning. Most of this happened on March 13 2020 for the United States.
Report • By Emma García and Elaine Weiss • September 10. (n.d.). COVID-19 and student performance, equity, and U.S. EDUCATION policy: Lessons From PRE-PANDEMIC research to inform RELIEF, recovery, and rebuilding.