Distance learning has over 100 years' history

Do you know that distance learning actually has over 100 years history? I learnt about this from Thomson Learning website.
Has anyone heard of them? I appreciate you let me know. Here is an excerpt from their site:

Simply this: as the world’s number one in distance learning, we have access to courses that represent the finest quality education in the world. So whether you want a UK, US or Australian qualification, we can make it happen for you.
As part of Thomson Learning, we belong to a global organisation with a long-established track record of success.
We have been involved with distance learning for over 100 years, and have helped more than 14 million students worldwide achieve their aims and ambitions. You will find this experience reflected in our approach to learning – for example, we always ensure you have everything you need for your studies. We also guarantee you online support whenever you need it – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
In addition, we have leading educational partners like the University of East London, which means we can offer a uniquely comprehensive range of high quality courses and qualifications.
All these things make us a world-class learning organisation. And that means you are guaranteed a world-class education.
http://www.thomsonworldclass.com

 

Yes, in fact the University of London External Programme has been offering distance education for nearly 150 years!

 

Thomas Learning owns

PennFoster College // Career School formerly Education Direct // ICS

The school has been doing print based correspondce since 1890

 

I'd be interested to know what they base this fact on.

 

Keyring. Distance education has a lengthy history in europe.
Welcome. Do you work for thomson?










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History of Distance Education: References

http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/Spring01/deClair/history.html

http://www.people.memphis.edu/~ffowler/title.html

http://seamonkey.ed.asu.edu/~mcisaac/dechapter/index.html

 

Re: Re: Distance learning has over 100 years' history

Actually 170 years, according to this:

“The most important British open university model during this period, from its foundation in 1836 as a distance examining system up until the present day, has been the University of London.”

Robert Bell and Malcolm Tight, Open Universities: A British Tradition? (Open University Press, 1993).

 

Some of the epistoles in the Bible were written to educate by distance, weren´t they? Saint Paul`s letters for instance have educated learners through millenia.

 

Says who????

 

I believe it was Josh Walston, co-author of _Walston & Bear's Guide to Earning Religious Degrees Non-Traditionally_ (now known as _Walston's Guide to Christian Distance Learning_) who first cited the epistles of Saul of Tarsus, aka Saint Paul, as an example of early distancfe learning. Or maybe it was Jason Baker, author of _Baker's Guide to Christian Distance Education_. I forget which. I cant seem to find my Walston's Guide or my Baker's Guide. I'm tired. It's late. Time to go to bed. Good night.

 

I haven´t ever read any of those guides you mention, and I don´t know who came up with the idea if that´s what your message is about. I am sure if one keeps on digging, we could find "examples" of distance learning even furthr in time. In fact, if you will, every step by humankind directed to record ideas or knowlege could be considered as a development in the way to deliver distance education (e.g. linear B or Egyptian hieroglyphic writing). No diplomas though...

 

Yes, but unfortunately it will take another 100 more years before it becomes widely accepted in the US. : (

 

I keep seeing things that allude to this among DL students but all of the real research that I can find points to just the opposite.

Is it possible that the public in general is as accepting of DL as they are of B&M; it's just that some in DL question the mode too much?

In other words - sucky B&M is thought of as poorly as sucky DL; great B&M is thought of as well as great DL; and most people just don't care either way anymore unless we DL grads force the issue...

Just a thought.

 

Following on what Steve writes:

A friend of mine is finishing up her MSc in Instructional Technology through B&M Coastal Carolina University. Her grad GPA is still 4.0 and her MAT score was above the 95th percentile.

As she inquires about EdD and PhD programs, she keeps getting the question "where the he11 is Coastal Carolina University..." and the like.

Maybe she'd have been better off with a DL master's from a well known school... She is, of course, very pleased with her experience at Coastal but...