-
First Distance Learning course
The first Distance Learning course is done via United States mail and originated out of Boston. -
Penny Post
First shorthand course is taught in Great Britian via mail services. -
Correspondence School
These courses enabled learners to obtain certifications and degrees in a varying amount of subects. Careers like Nursing, Mechanical drawing, and Art Design were some of possible subjects. -
First University Distance Learning
The first United States distance learning began at Illinois, Weselyn University. -
Computer Assessments
Professor Sydney Pressey from Ohio University used one of the first machines to conduct evaluation drills for students and provide practice. Much like a typewriter that provided multiple choice answers,it also provided quizes, notes, and grades. -
Radio Courses
Penn State began offering some of the first radio broadcast educational courses. -
First Educational TV
The first educational television shows were presented by the University of Iowa. -
PLATO
Now part of Plato learning, this was one of the first systems to deliver learning over a computer. -
Cloud Computing
Though appearing earlier for the firt time, cloud computing has become a force with the launching of Web 2.0. Now there are many cloud computing services such as Drop Box, Microsoft 360, and various Amazon initiatives based on this concept. The orginal premise on cloud computing was based on an early vision of computing, storing, and viewing any data from anywhere. -
Period: to
HIstory of Online/Distance Learning
-
Video Conferencing
Commericial markets were experimenting with video conferencing. This has now grown to include such technologies as Gotomeeting, Facetime, and Skype. -
Microsoft windows
Microsoft was an operating system created which contained graphics and was in response to the MS DOS system. Microsoft enabled users to navigate using pull down windows and graphics rather than by entering a series of codes. -
Internet
Though often debated, consistently 1982 is the date that the Internet was said to be launched and used as we know it today. -
Wireless Internet
U.S. Federal Communications Commission rules that wifi can be released into the public use. The WiFI Alliance was then formed to hold the trademark from those involved in the orginal creation. -
Virtual Libraries
First time the term digital library was used and since has grown to include virtual libraries, museums, and world wide tours. -
Mobile Learning Devices
As more and more mobile devices became available, companies began looking at ways in which these tools could enhance learning. For example, Apple launched the program "Classrooms of Tomorrow" in which much of the focus was on mobile and hand-held devices. -
FL virtually schools
Florida Virtual School is an online school for both Middle School and High School as well as making itself accessible in 60 some districts within the state. This virutal school is being used as a template in states such as Califorinia where they too are looking to create this type of Online Public Education Learning. -
Open Source Software
The original "free software movement" was replaced with the term Open Source Software. This allows for free access to web-based software that is updated and maintained by a community of volunteers. -
Facebook
This online social media tool came on the market actually as a way in college students could communicate. Since it was launched, it has become part of the education, corporate, commercial, and personal lifestyles of many. -
Youtube
This is a video sharing website owned by Google and allows videos to be uploaded and shared between any users of the site. As an educational tool, the online demonstrations are excellent and enable students to see tutorials on varied topics. A spin off on YouTube, TeacherTube, is strictly for educational purposes and has the approval and filtering of teachers. -
Kahn Academy
Khan Academy is a free educational website in which more than 4,000 video lectures are available for students to view free of charge. Khan started sending YouTube videos demonstrating math problem solving to members of his family. Presently Khahn Academy is being pursued by several academic outlets as well as investors in which to expand this online method of bringing free education to anyone and anywhere. -
Google Apps
The launch date of Google apps in which individuals can work collaboratively at the same time to create one document, no matter their individual location. -
itunes u
This app is found in the iTunes store and is widely used in education in both public and private schooling. This app combines all types of digital media such as lectures, video podcasts, and audtio books allowing student everywhere access to a variety of learning tools. iTunes U also offers lesson plans and activites and is working towards some type of managed learning system in the future. Schools such as Harvard, Yale, and Oxford are currently uploading course
content available for free. -
BYOD
Bring your own device iniative began in the workplace and has since moved into the classroom with more and more school districts embracing this type of technolgy. Some surveys show as much as 80% of Universities allow some type of private device to be used on their internet systems. -
Ipads
These tablet style computers have taken mobility to all new level. The iPad has also lead to, in the spirit of competition, several companies to develop their own tablet like computing tools such as the Microsoft Surface Pro, Google Chrome Book,and the Amazon KIndle Fire. -
Google Fiber Optic Project
Though there is differences of opinion in where this project will lead, Google Fiber Optics Project is one in which Google will provide Fiber Optic Internet connections to millions, offering varying options from free to plans that have several diffrent monthy fees based on service. Towns and communities are in competition to become one of the first in this project. Googles often denies specific future plans, while other investors have leaked of larger plans to expand this program.
