spfister MODULE 2 - Historical perspectives a global view

Historical Perspectives

January 27, 2019

The idea of distance education is not new. In fact, evidence shows that back in the 1800s, newspaper prints would include instructional and educational material. Educational articles were printed out and distributed across the country and eventually around the world. Colleges also started early experimentations with distance education using correspondence courses. This opened up a new realm of possibility for students in locations that didn’t have access to proper education. It seems like a lot of the early distance education courses focused on educating people on how to perform skilled trades like mining jobs and different techniques of farming.

By the mid-1900s, many colleges around the world were using technology to broadcast education. Notably, in 1962, the University of South Africa was able to officially become a distance teaching university, changing the landscape of how we teach and learn. Many other countries began getting these types of programs in place as well, and the field of education from a distance has become massive. Anadula University in Turkey, for example, reaches half a million students from its campus. The school started in the 80’s focusing specifically on distance education.

The rate of change started slowly and sluggishly but gathered momentum as more areas gained access to the world wide web. Early on, it seemed like the rate of change was dictated by each small advancement being announced and then learners waited until the ideas spread to other parts of the world. However, with internet access, it doesn’t take very long for concepts to spread and emerge in different parts of the world now. It also seems like the population of distance learners continues to increase as people find out that the education they will receive is still strong.

Several big advancements are mentioned arriving in other countries, but the USA seems to have stayed with the times as well. Flashing forward to today, we have all of the latest and greatest technologies at our fingertips. A great example would be this course. I’m able to attend the college that I’ve dreamed of graduating from, while working at my dream job in Austin, TX. All of the courses required for my degree are available to me online and can be completed from the comfort of my home. 

As far as what helped the field grow, I think it was a combination of profit and need really helped blossom distance education. From a profitability standpoint, it makes sense to develop a distance education program because a larger audience can be reached. While there is some overhead that comes with increased materials and tools needed to make the education available, it can be a less expensive way to increase profits. A college, for example, can spend upfront cost setting up an intranet capable of powering the courses using third-party software like Blackboard. Once set up, the college can begin offering more classes without having to create more space for classrooms.

Having this infrastructure in place solves other complications that schools face as well. Overcrowding of classes can be relieved with courses available online. If students can access course material from computer labs, libraries, and even their home, this frees up valuable space in schools and gets rid of costly school expansions. Also, good colleges that are located in less desirable areas can reach students from anywhere around the world. This is great for students who do not want to relocate for school, as well as students who can’t relocate due to family obligations or career needs.