Online Learning Environments
History, Uses, Strengths, and Challenges of Distance Learning
Mar 8, 2009
Distance learning is not a new concept. In fact, the idea of learning environments where student and teacher are separated by distance has been around for centuries, starting with teachers circa 360 B.C.E. who were concerned with the new technology (the written word) and how it would affect their teaching. Then a century or so later, circa 60 A.D., St. Paul provided instruction to church members at a distance through the use of epistles that were sent to them via messengers.
Distance Learning in the US
In the United States, however, it wasn’t until 1728 that distance learning really started to take off. The March 20, 1728 Boston Gazette held the following advertisement: "Persons in the Country desirous to Learn this Art, may by having the several Lessons sent weekly to them, be as perfectly instructed as those that live in Boston." The ad was placed by Caleb Phillips, teacher of the "New Method of Short Hand".
Mother of American Correspondence Study
In 1873, an enterprising woman in Boston organized volunteers to provide educational opportunities for women across class boundaries. She established the Society to Encourage Studies at Home which provided correspondence instruction to more than 10,000 women over a 24-year period. Anna Ticknor became known as the mother of American correspondence study.
The Internet and Distance Learning
Distance learning programs can be found in most traditional colleges today. The widespread growth of the Internet has also made it possible for literally hundreds, if not thousands of private schools to crop up offering online courses. More and more adults who may not have attended college in the past are able to do so through distance education. Many of the barriers to traditional educational settings have been removed for the 21st century distance learner.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Distance Education
Along with the obvious strengths of distance learning like convenience, flexibility, and removal of personal barriers (gender and age bias, shyness, etc.) there are weaknesses inherent in a distance learning program. Obvious weaknesses include inability or unwillingness to learn the technology, on both the student and faculty end. Fear of technology is a large part of this problem. Sometimes faculty find themselves becoming isolated – they do not feel that they have any connections with their students because of the distance between them. This is especially true of faculty who come from the traditional classroom and try to use their more traditional methods of instruction in the online environment.
Online Learning is Here to Stay
Despite the trepidation felt by students and faculty regarding online learning, more and more schools, colleges and universities are integrating online learning into their programs. Technology is improving at a rapid pace and many of the barriers to online learning are coming down every day. Accessibility is much more widespread, computers and other electronic devices are less expensive, and the learning curve to get online is greatly shortened by better systems and communication.
 |
