History of Distance Learning

In the article, “Plato as Distance Education Pioneer,” Gary Klass states that there is nothing new about distance education. He gives the example of Plato’s publication of Socrates’ Dialogues. Klass states that Plato used the “written word” technology to accomplish distance education.

In more modern times, in the United States, Ohio University, the University of Texas and the University of Maryland were among the earliest universities to create networks to reach both on-campus and off-campus student populations (Brientenfield, 1968) In 1971 the first “open” United States university which provided flexibility in time limitations on degree programs was New York State’s Empire State College (Gerrity, 1976).

According to Klass, current distance education involves virtual universities, online programs, and Internet courses. Klass states that the primary clientele of virtual universities are non-traditional and part-time students. Klass believes that Web-courses delivered through software packages such as Web CT and Blackboard pose a threat to higher education.

I believe that Web courses may require instructors to utilize new technology, but they are not a threat to higher education as Klass states. Online programs can improve education by encouraging group discussions and collaboration and by helping students to develop good writing and communication skills