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Online learning started in 1960 when Donald Bitzer, a laboratory assistant at the University of Illinois, created the very first e-learning system called the PLATO. The device was originally designed strictly for computer-based education, but due to its innovative networking capabilities, it quickly became the foundation for online learning and online communities. -
Development of ARPANET began in 1966. Several standards were developed. Network Control Program (NCP) would handle communication between hosts and could support the first commands, Telnet and File Transfer Protocol (FTP). It would use packet-switching technology to communicate. Interface Message Processor was developed to pass messages between hosts. This can be considered the first packet gateway or router. Hardware modems were designed and sent out to the participating organizations. -
In 1977, the Apple II personal computer is released, with Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak highlighting education as the primary intended application for the new hardware. Apple II featured color graphics and sounds, which was highly impressive for the time, and which made the devices particularly appealing to the young demographic. -
The Electronic University Network (EUN), an online educational network, is launched by former president of Atari Ron Gordon. It was established to help universities and colleges start utilizing online courses. -
Dr. John Sperling and Terri Hedegaard Bishop launch the University of Phoenix Online campus, based in San
Francisco, California. It was the first private university venture to deliver complete academic degree programs
(Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees) and services to a mass audience, via asynchronous online technologies -
The World Wide Web (WWW) is invented by British scientist Tim Berners-Lee. The WWW’s original purpose was information-sharing between academic institutions around the world. -
It's important to note how the MPC relaxed the learning barrier for students. Using a multimedia computer, they were able to utilize video, audio, graphics and animation programs so that they can better interact with the computer's interface. It was also during the early 90s that many schools that deliver online-only courses were established. The future of the Internet as an education medium became certain. -
In 1994, the first accredited wholly online high school, CompuHigh, is established. It serves U.S. nationals and international English-speaking students from grades 9 through 12. -
Blackboard Learn (previously the Blackboard Learning Management System) is a web-based virtual learning environment and learning management system developed by Blackboard Inc. The software features course management, customizable open architecture, and scalable design that allows integration with student information systems and authentication protocols. -
The very first fully accredited online university, Jones International University, opened its doors in 1999. It offered students online courses and diplomas in business and education until the year 2015, when it was officially closed. -
In November 1999, Elliott Masie coined the word "eLearning" at his TechLearn Conference at Disneyworld. It was the first time that the term was used in a professional context. Others in the industry have already used the term "online learning," which basically points to the same concept. -
MIT starts offering online course materials and lectures free of charge through its Open Courseware project. This is still very good and has a tremendous offering of high quality classes. https://ocw.mit.edu/ -
From the read-only environment of Web 1.0, Web 2.0 promises a two-way conversation where users can contribute, collaborate and create through several platforms like social media, blogs, wikis and forums. Web 2.0 emphasizes on how we learn—how we interact with content online. -
No other emerging technology has changed the way we interact with content online than HTML5. This latest evolution of HTML, supplemented by CSS3 and JavaScipt, opened up a host of game-changing features: Compatibility with modern devices and browsers means wider user reach and device-agnostic eLearning content.
Ability to detect device means content tailored to fit a learner's preferred device. -
Instructure formally launched the Canvas learning management system, disrupting the LMS status quo for better and forever. By 2019 Canvas reached more than 30 million global users.