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Where is begin!!
Sources trace distance learning as far back at the 1700s. Soon after this time, distance education was practiced through a method called correspondence education. This form of education grew without bounds, and swept across countries (nd, 2014). In 1728, the first recorded instance of distance learning occurred in Boston, USA, when a "Caleb Phillips" advertises private correspondence courses in short hand in the Boston Gazette (Pappas, 2016). -
Correspondence Education
Students received instruction via mail and responded with assignments or questions to the instructor. The process was very slow and could take several weeks for a response from the instructor. Courses grew inspite of drawbacks, thanks to maturation in postal service that allowed correspondents to study across long distances. As tedious and useless this form of learning might seem under today’s standards, students were so compelled to learn that they did not mind they delay (Pappas, 2016). -
Distance learning
In 1858, the University of London becomes the first university to offer distance learning degrees (Pappas, 2016). -
1960’s & 1970’s: Mainframe Computer-Based Training.
Modern computer-based training can be traced back to the mini-computer and mainframe training of the 60’s and 70’s. It was the first time that training could be deployed to countless workers within an organization without having to rely on printed materials and face-to-face instruction. One of the most notable systems was Plato, which was developed by Control Data and the University of Illinois back in 1963. In fact, Plato is still around today (Pappas, 2016). -
1970’s to 1980’s: TV-Based Technology to Support Live Training.
At this stage in the blended learning timeline, companies began using video networks to train their employees. The instructor no longer had to be physically on-site in order to onboard new hires or broaden the skill sets of existing staff members. Learners were able to communicate with their peers, watch the instructor on TV, and even address any questions or concerns sending them by mail. Think of it as the predecessor to webinars and video conferencing (Pappas, 2016). -
Technology continued to allow advances during the 1980s.
According to Foundations of Distance Education, “The possibility of teaching face to face at a distance was achieved by an electronics revolution in the 1980s. This allowed students to communicate with one another and their professors, so that they learned interactively, rather than just being taught passively. As you can see, even big brands started to get involved with distance learning, allowing their employees to participate in virtual classes. -
1980’s & 1990’s: CD-ROM Training and Rise of LMS
As technology evolved, so did blended training strategies and applications. Schools and organizations began using CD-ROMs to deliver more interactive learning experiences. For the first time in eLearning history, computer-based courses were now able to offer a rich and comprehensive learning experience, even face-to-face instruction. This is also when the first learning management systems were introduced, though they didn’t offer the same functionality as the solutions available today. -
1998: First Generation of Web-Based Instruction.
Blended learning, and eLearning as a whole, has seen rapid change in the past two decades, beginning in 1998 with the first generation of web-based instruction. Computers were no longer just for organizations and the wealthy few, but for the masses. More and more households began purchasing personal computers for their families to enjoy, while companies made PCs readily available for every employee (Pappas, 2016). -
2000 until today: Blended Learning Integration.
Technology is rapidly changing and an increasing number of organizations and private learning institutions are beginning to see the benefits of a blended learning approach. While online learners can participate in online communities and interactive eLearning courses from anywhere in the world. Face-to-face instruction and technology-based learning is producing new and creative ways to enrich the educational experience and make learning fun, exciting, and even more beneficial (Pappas, 2016).
