Distance Learning – The Distance of Technology Break-Through

It seems to be not so long ago that we would turn for knowledge to either teachers or books. Other ways of educating the wide masses basically didn’t exist. The world of unbelievable opportunities we’re living in today is something entirely different from where we’ve been even 15 years ago.

The convergence of various technologies almost turned the educational process upside down. Teachers seem to be losing their superior status of knowledge mediators they held for centuries, while students gain more freedom and responsibility for their studies. Now they are free to choose what to learn, when and how to do it. They tend to complete more independent tasks and researches as opposed to traditional passive perception of knowledge from teachers. Introduction of distance learning intensified this tendency to a great degree, as online education got millions of supporters and proved to be effective.

Although distance learning dates back to the 19^th century the real technological break-through refers to the end of last century. We can say it all started with talking-head courses on television in the early 60s. As years passed, computers began to be used in different ways and the Adult Learning Service at PBS got set up. The real boom took off with the shift from analog to digital media. The audio-visual influence on educational process was rather poor, but devices began to improve. The end of the 20^th century was the time of multiple digital novelties emergence and media expansion. New technologies were introduced to the wide public. So it took an average eLearning tool quite a while to become an integral part of educational process. We still remember the times when slides were a big thing and today at a click of a mouse you get a whole world at your disposal.

Priorities also changed dramatically. New devices and technologies are being created almost everyday, but the emphasis is not on the gadgets themselves anymore. It shifted to the variety of opportunities we get by using it. So in our case, the priority is studying, not the means of it. With a rear exception, every educational establishment uses media or technology to enhance the educational process. At the same time students are acquiring a natural ability for using the newly-introduced facilities. They don’t need special training – general knowledge and computer literacy is enough to take advantage of the latest technology. They use it without thinking of how it is delivered.

This easiness in using technology is not just the result of almost inborn ability of modern generation to play with computers. It is also the consequence of hard work of software developers that stands behind the friendly and intuitive interface. Different learning management systems are created to open new horizons for students and teachers of all ages and backgrounds. Due to in-depth study of the educational process and related issues, eLearning software developers deliver new solutions that allow users to communicate in real-time mode whatever the distances are, post, share and edit documents online, carry out self-assessments, organize web-conferences. Without leaving your private office or even a bedroom. ELearning stepped far beyond basic exchange of information. It’s a whole new world of opportunities for those who need to be flexible, more independent, yet want to be fully engaged in the process of education. You are buying not just an eLearning tool jam-packed with features, you’re getting ability to organize your educational process according to your needs and socialize with colleagues whenever you need. Make your educational process enjoyable, all the rest has been taken care of by professionals.