Distance Learning-“Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow” Evolution with Technology

My personal definition of distance learning has been influenced mostly by computers. I am a “digital immigrant" and have received most of my instruction through books, face-to-face traditions and libraries. The lessons of my life have been influence by doing, or constructing understanding through experiences. Learning from this week’s timeline helps to place online learning upon the timeline of history. My definition of distance learning looks over my shoulder to the past while I stand here learning with computers with promising methods to engage today and tomorrow. This definition is one that is aligned with Dr. Simonson when he states that distance education has to have a component of teaching and learning. (Simonson, 2008). The four aspects of distance education include a) an institution b) separation of teacher and student c) Interactive telecommunications and d) sharing of data, voice and video (learning experiences). (Simonson, 2008 p.32)

Knowing this history, makes me stop and reflect on my personal history and how technology has impacted my life. My first thoughts of distance learning appeared as art courses advertised in the newspaper. Although my education circumstances did not require distance learning I have reaped the benefits mostly through television, public broadcasting, NASA and now mobile technology. The book Teaching and Learning at a Distance summarizes my memories and growth to where I am today “The contemporary period is often characterized as one of unpredictable change. Globalization, brought on by supersonic air travel, satellite television, computer communications, and societal changes, has inspired new ways of looking at distance education.”(Simmonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S., 2008) The communications on TV were always exciting especially the conversations from satellite space. Radio and broadcasting are free technology avenues to learning. Although I have not participated in learning through mail correspondence, I find the internet a great line for immediate input/output with text expressions. About the time that computers were mainstreamed and expected in the classroom in the late 80’s progress continued while gradually integration, educators began seeing computers as a great potential for designing and delivering instruction. In the 90’s the internet was a source and connection to the browsing community and the kinks of geographical communications across time and space felt the frustrations along with the promise. Knowing that distance learning began in Europe around 1833 with European newspapers does not necessarily surprise me but reinforces my desire to find a position in that timeline. Language and civil service examination courses have historically succeeded in time through mail correspondence. In the USA mail correspondence classes with Anna Eliot Ticknor addressed woman’s education through the Society to Encourage Studies at Home in Boston, Massachussets. That was in 1873-1892 which indicates that we “have come a long way”! Degrees have been awarded to students from New York with Chautauqua Institute, and courses designed through mail correspondence from the University of Chicago. Great Britian joined the progression with the wireless telegraphy as well as Swedish educator H.S. Hermod establishes Hermods one of the world’s largest distance teach organizations. These countries along with Ticknor’s Society include women with limited educational experiences. (Simonson, 2008)

The early 20th century learning applied learning through radio and then television communications. The USA expands the distance learning territories with Pennsylvania State, the State of Iowa Universities. while capitalizing on technology using both TV and radio. Scholarships were then awarded by the Ford Foundation to pursue and develop studies using a broadcasting system. Taking hold in the 60’s the telephone channeled studies for physicians using statewide studies from the University of Wisconsin and the telephone. The U.S. Department of Defense closes the decade of the 60’s with the Advanced Research Project Agency network (ARPANET) which sparks the discovery of the internet.

From there on we begin the 70’s with our very own Walden University and graduate studies through modular mediums. Instructional technology has taken root with available resources of computers, videos, satellite TV, the fabulous internet and a reference book called the “Bears Guide” directory listing video materials and courses available. Appearing to take the lead in the evolution The University of Mid-America then engaged nine universities to provide video courses. Not to forget the impact of the south, Duke University and the University of North Carolina had Tom Truscot, Jim Ellis, and Steve Bellovin Usenet for discussions online. The noted world- wide internet is internationalized with UNIX and UUCP. As technological information and communication multiplies in number with other U. S. organizations and universities spawning blended learning to where it is today. The other note-able organizations timeline are listed below. (Simonson, 2008)


1982-1983 Satellite Television and learning, National University Teleconferencing Network

1984 The Electronic University Network courses with DOS and 64 Commodore computers

1987 Mind Extension University, MBA Colorado State University, Glenn Jones (cable pioneer)

1989 2/3 U.S. engage in distance learning, founding of IUC International University College

1993 Virtual Summer School (VSS) access blended learning methods; CAL Campus is created with complete online learning which establishes the Quantum Link Tutoring Center.

1996 Duke University-Global Executive MBS learning format

1997-2001 Learning Management System (LMS), Murray Goldberg WebCT 1.0 and the creation of the WebCT Educational Technologies Corporation
Learning Portal-eCollege, HungryMinds, Learn2, Click2Learn, Blackboard plus other emerge
Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee (AICC) Java Script, SCORM, APE applications forum interface

2007-2009 MUV multi-user virtual environments expand along with Web 2.0 which include wiki’s, blogs, podcasts




By the year 2000 wireless phones, computers were advancing and adding to a great technological explosion. Attending graduate school online, at a distance through the Walden University Portal, I find learning the next step in the evolutionary learning process. By linking past experiences of teaching and learning with computer operations I understand the forum of distance learning. Attending school online in 2009, was a possibility that I realized last Fall with Instructional Design and Technology at Walden University. From there “life- long learning” can stretch beyond a book or a specific place, time or location. My definition of distance learning does not forget the past few centuries but knows these years as the “roots” of distance education. The definition is not restricted to the here and now but joins forces with yesterday and tomorrow. The vision for the future will definitely include what we have plus what innovative technology scientist can develop with the learner in mind. My original definition-Distance learning is the learning process made possible through the technology of computers, and all telecommunication that allows connections through time, space, location either in a blended atmosphere or an asynchronous/synchronous platform. In the past few weeks this definitions has grown to embrace the past and continue to envision the future. Using the internet invites us to participate in a “high definition” classroom which virtually adds depth and perspective to understanding globalization. The world will require a connection to the masses of people on every continent, within each classroom, and part of all organizations and institutions.

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvaceck, S. (2008) Teaching and Learning at a Distance Foundations of Distance Education Pearson Publications New York, NY
Simonson, M., Video Program: “Distance Education: The Next Generation” [Retrieved from Walden University Nov. 2010]