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In 1728, the first example of Distance learning was recognized in Boston, Massachusetts. Caleb Philipps delivered weekly mailed instructions within a shorthand course by US postal mail. He also posted an advertisement in the local newspaper to promote these courses. (Harting Erthal,) -
In 1837, Charles Babbage created the first computer. He is known as the "Father of Computer" because of his significant contributions to early computing field. He developed the first mechanical computer, known as the Analytical Engine, which led to the development of more advanced electronic designs found in modern computers. (Garwig,1969) -
In 1858, the University of London introduced the first distance learning degree course to the public. The University of London External Program allowed students living outside of London to study and earn a degree through the University of London. (Bell, 2010) -
In 1924, Sidney Pressey introduced the first teaching machine. (Keegan,2021). -
In 1924, Sidney Pressey introduced his teaching machine. (Keegan,2021). -
In the 1930s, many students learned from the comfort of their homes by hearing their academic lessons broadcast over local radio stations (Fitzgerald, 2021). -
In 1954, another teaching machine was created by B.F. Skinner (Keegan,2021). -
In 1960, the creation of PLATO, a computer-based learning environment, was developed by physicists and engineers at the University of Illinois. They created a first-time online learning community, enabling a shared educational system to occur within the home. (Silberman,1997) -
In 1976, the first completely remote online community college was created for distance learning. Coastline Community College meets the academic needs of students in the arts and vocational fields. (Keegan,2021. -
During the 1980s, the introduction of the Macintosh computer enabled individuals to learn from the comfort of their own homes (Keegan, 2021). -
In the 1980s, at the National Technological University in the United States, satellite television was used to provide both live and recorded course materials to students. Additionally, students could call instructors by phone to have their questions addressed during live broadcasts. (Gershon,2020) -
In 1982, the Western Behavioral Sciences Institute offered a distance education program for business executives via computer conferences. (Keegan, 2021).
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In 1983, the former president of Atari, Ron Gordon, launched the Electronic University Network to make online courses accessible to people with personal computers. (Keegan,2021) -
In 1990, the World Wide Web had a significant impact on the online learning environment. As the internet became more accessible and user-friendly for students, it also allowed educators and institutions to create and deliver online courses more easily. (Miller,2023). -
In 1998, CourseInfo merged with Blackboard Inc. They developed the first software programs for online interactive learning systems. Currently, Learning Management System (LMS) platforms are widely used by university educators to deliver online learning. (Porciello, 2007). -
In 1999, the term ‘eLearning’ is introduced to the public. (Keegan, 2021). -
In 2001, The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) starts the Open Course Ware Project to offer free MIT courses to people worldwide. (Abelson, Miyagawa Yue, 2021) -
In 2010, social learning platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and LinkedIn became integrated into the technological landscape. These social learning platforms offer learners access to a wide range of resources. (Keegan, 2021). -
In 2012, MOOCs, or Massive Open Online Courses, are platforms that integrate instructors, video lectures, curated courses, and educational institutions. These online learning environments enable participants to engage in learning through a series of instructional videos that are designed to introduce and explain new knowledge or concepts on various topics (Guangyuan, 2021). -
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, most colleges and universities shifted from traditional in-person, face-to-face classes to an online learning environment. Additionally, most K-12 students also participated in online learning during this period.
(Kasper, Burtniak, Ruth,2023) -
Overall, the use of AI in technology exhibits both advantages and challenges in various educational learning settings. One challenge relates to concerns about academic integrity and information reliability. (Stefaniak, Moore,2024)
In general, artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the e-learning field by giving online learners tailored, effective, and interactive educational experiences. The integration of AI-generated content in eLearning is expected to advance in the future.