|
Correspondence courses of the 1700’s have metamorphosed into the distance learning of today that offers a vibrant learning environment. Interactive telecommunications systems connect learners, resources and instructors. Technologies like streaming media, VoIP and live video have made distance education as efficient as regular courses. When Caleb Phillips advertised private correspondence courses in the Boston Gazette in 1728, he would not have guessed it would later grow into a major mode of teaching and later transform into distance learning. Here is the timeline of milestones in the evolution of distance learning: * Sir Issac Pitman launches correspondence courses in shorthand in 1840. * The University of London becomes the first to offer degrees worldwide in 1858. * The University of Chicago becomes the first regular institution in America to offer correspondence courses in 1892. * Open University is established in the UK in 1969, using radio and TV to deliver classes. * Internet revolutionises online study in 1999. Educational tools like Blackboard, Smarthinking and eCollege are introduced. * The number of students taking an online class rose by 187% in 2002-2008. Over the last decade, distance learning education has undergone significant growth and change. It has gone through five generations of development, dating back to the correspondence model of the early 1700s and consisting of news articles, flyers and mail services. The second generation of these courses were based on multimedia, using audio and video technologies along with print. This was followed by tele-learning, opening up opportunities for synchronous communication. The fourth generation was online delivery, while the fifth generation focuses on maximising the current capabilities of the Internet. The process of course curriculum delivery, student response and instructor feedback were too slow in correspondence courses. There was no direct communication between instructor and student other than mail. Despite the slow process, correspondence courses did provide students an opportunity to learn. With the introduction of electronic elements like videoconferencing, the architecture of distance learning education began to change. Video could now be used for both synchronous and asynchronous teaching. Early attempts required students to reach the facilities that could support videoconferencing and group participation. Videoconferencing improved verbal communication, memory retention and presentation skills. This also allowed the content providers and students to feel better connected to each other. The rise of the Internet helped correspondence courses mutate into what is called distance learning today. The learning group is separated and interactive telecommunications systems connect learners, resources and instructors tutors. Thanks to technology, learners can interact with one another as well as the instructors tutors using mails or chat. Assignments can be submitted instantly and learning material can be accessed easily. Web-based Course Management Systems have facilitated distance learning programmes. The colleges use these systems to offer degrees and integrate these with technologies like streaming media, voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) and live video, creating a vibrant learning environment. Using configurable access restrictions, users are prevented from editing content they did not create. Storage database can be reused and formatted for multiple devices, while navigation is generated automatically. Part-time MBA is simply the most popular distance learning course today. Prominent universities in the UK are offering the course and getting enrolled will help you learn the skills that are needed to compete in the business environment. Visit website of a prominent institute for more information on business management courses. The author recommends the University of Leicester School of Management that offers MBA distance learning programmes recognised across the globe.
Related Articles -
business management courses, part time mba,
| 
