When we disscuss the begining of e-learning, it is necessary to refer to the history of distance learning. Because a brief look at it will give more clear about the origin of e-learning.
The concept of distance learning predates the computer area by almost 100 years.
In 1840's, in England, distance learning used mail for communication. It was the best way at that time, and because of the postal service improvements, this type of learning became more popular in the early part of the last century.
In the late 1950's, television and radio were the technologies that added to use for this type of learning. However, these tools still lacked of ability for two-way communication between instructors and learners. So these tools still did not good enough for this type of learning.
During the early 1980's, experimentation with online bill-board system (BBS) and e-mail were brought to help distance learning more effectively. These technology tools provided a framwork for online learning that is still used nowadays.
In the early 1990's, the term "e-learning" was coined. It specifically referred to include the internet technology or other interactive or electronic media to use in distance learning to enable true two ways communication.
In this present-day, there are many high technologies can be used in e-learning, for example, internet technology, multimedia and packaged software programs. Therefore, using e-learning in education world now tends to increase rapidly because of its useful and convenience.
Wow I did not know that distance learning was going on back in the 1840's using the postal system. It seems that distance learning evolves as technology evolves. Soon we will be learning from cell phones!
ReplyDeleteNattee, thank you for sharing such an interesting history!
ReplyDeleteThank Ms Nattee for this article. I can imagine the timeline and development of E-learning. It's amazing that e-learning can be traced back to 1840's. I thought it just emerged around 10 years ago. It seems to grow without bound... and I wonder how far it will go.
ReplyDeleteHi Bart,Leigh and Brother Thinnakorn!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for your comments. I am very glad to hear from you that this topic is interesting. During I found the information of this topic I really felt amazing the great of e-learning.
I read that
ReplyDelete'In England, in 1840, shorthand classes were being offered by correspondence courses through the mail.'
I think only new times that elearning is called elearning
ReplyDeleteHi Sirinuch!
ReplyDeleteThanksw for your comment and sharing your knowledge in this topic. It's very useful to help this topic more perfectly.