Evolution Of Online Education

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Online education has been around for many years. Online education was started in the 1960s by the University of Illinois. The college created an Intranet for students, with a “system of linked computer terminals where students cold access course materials as well as listen to recorded lectures” (Hickey, 2014). This Intranet program later changed to PLATO (Programmed Logic for Automatic Teaching Operations). PLATO was used worldwide and “used to create many of the concepts of social networking that we know today: message boards, chat rooms, screen sharing, and even MMORPGs” (Hickey, 2014). In 1979, Apple created Lemonade Stand the first educational computer game (Hickey, 2014). In 1984, Electronic University Network (EUN) was established to …show more content…
For example, online education offers convenience and flexibility. Online courses allow students the opportunity to plan their study or homework time around their daily schedule. They can set their own schedule to complete assignments or test besides the required deadlines. In addition, students can study and complete work anytime they want, whether its early mornings or late nights. Students can also have the comfort of taking courses from anywhere, whether it’s at home or out in a public setting. Moreover, course material is always available online, so students can access information immediately. Students can get “announcements, access notes, review assignments, take practice quizzes, discuss questions, chat with fellow students any time” all online when taking an online course (“Ten Advantages,” 2016, Convenient section). All of this makes online learning a good option for students who have other commitments such as families or jobs. Online learning also gives students the opportunity to have a more comfortable learning environment. Students can enjoy being at home and taking classes right from their couch. This is especially good for students with health problems that prevent them from being able to come a campus on a regular basis. Students will not have to worry about fighting traffic, finding parking spaces, leaving work early to get to class on in time, or missing out on important family time. In addition, students don’t have to worry about canceled classes due to bad weather

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