The document outlines the evolution of distance education, beginning with the first course in 1728 and highlighting significant milestones such as the introduction of radio courses in 1922, the founding of the University of Phoenix in 1976, and the launch of online resources like Khan Academy in 2008. It emphasizes the impact of technology and the internet on education, facilitating access for non-traditional and working students. The document concludes by noting ongoing changes in educational structure and delivery, shaping future expectations for employees.

1. 1728
The world’s first distance learning course is established in
Boston, MA. This was done through lessons via mail.

2. 1840
Shorthand is taught by correspondence
in the UK.

3. 1922
Penn State begins offering courses
through radio.

4. 1922
200+ Colleges and Universities are granted
radio broadcasting.

5. • The greatest challenges for students and
colleges at this time included the issues
of access (physically & financially) and
retention of those able to attend.
Debrief
• The capability of connection across long
distances was a huge step for the future
direction of distance education.

6. 1965
Statewide telephone
based education program
is offered by University
of Wisconsin.

7. 1969
U.S Department of Defense Creates the Internet.
(ARPANET)

8. 1976
The University of Phoenix is
founded to create flexible higher
education options.

9. 1994
The first completely online
curriculum is introduced by
CALCampus.

10. 2002
The OpenCourseWare
project becomes
available providing a
free resource of online
course materials from
MIT.

11. Debrief
• The creation of the internet and personal
computer provided the basis of the
distance education environment we
know today. A new kind of access
became available as education came
alive online.
• Money and time, two factors that can
help or hinder you. Non-traditional and
working students become a newly
looked at demographic of Higher Ed

12. 2008
Khan Academy is founded and education through
step by step online videos becomes a new way to
think about education.

13. 2010
Of CEO’s and small
business owners in the
US consider online
degrees to be as
creditable as traditional
degrees.
83%

14. 2012
96% of
traditional
universities
offer online
courses.
2 million
students take all
online courses.

15. 2014
……
The structure and delivery of education
is developing and changing everyday,
just like throughout the past.
Future employees will be expected
to have experience in this high
functioning online world.
As we continue to see a trend of
focus ease and access as well as
individualized education.
Debrief