The first real computer-assisted learning platform offered was in 1960 through Programmed Logic for Automated Teaching Operations (PLATO) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Students could take courses and lessons while instructors could keep track of student progress.
With the increasing availability of home computers and faster dial-up connections, the ability for more people to take online coursework spread rapidly. The 1990s were especially prolific with several online learning companies starting up that are still functioning today such as Open University Virtual Summer School, CALCampus.com, WebCT, and Blackboard.
Today, there is a plethora of online-only instruction campuses as well as coursework and certification offered online through universities.
PLATO was first established in response to the growing number of returning soldiers from serving in the U.S. military seeking education under the GI Bill.
In more recent times, bachelor degrees and certifications are essential to advancing your career and widening your employment prospects. Online learning is increasingly the favored option because of tuition inflation at traditional schools and the growing number of responsibilities for students.
About 4.6 million students took an online course in the fall 2008, which is 17 percent higher than the previous year, according to a Sloan Consortium study.
As there are different types of degrees, there are different types of online education you can receive.
University Based
Many traditional universities offer courses, certifications and even degrees with online-only coursework.
Trade or Professional Based
Trade schools or professional organizations can offer certificates to its members through completion of coursework online.
Online Only
There are schools and universities that are only online based. The length of time to complete each course is usually shorter than most traditional courses but no less difficult.
Tutorials
Lynda.com is an example of online learning that is tutorial based. There is no interaction with instructors, but you can complete each tutorial at your own pace.
Online education offers these benefits, depending on the curriculum you choose:
- Ability to learn at your own pace
- Complete coursework at any time of day
- Work from home or any location with high speed internet
- Flexibility in choosing courses, there are no scheduling conflicts
- Generally, online courses are less expensive
The limitations to receiving online learning are:
- Cannot converse with instructor face to face over issues you may have questions on
- Vocational certification that require physical completion, such as welding or electrical engineering, are difficult and sometimes dangerous to perform on your own
- Cannot converse with fellow students as easily
- Can feel isolated when learning
- Requires same amount of dedication as traditional degree, so may not be a viable option if you are too busy
There is some stigma associated with receiving education or certification online versus through traditional schooling. Although coursework is distributed online, the requirements for academic honesty and integrity are no less valued than at universities or vocational schools. Just as the quality of instruction can vary from school to school, depending on instructor's ability to teach, so can online education. It is possible to receive excellent, engaging, and intellectually stimulating education online just as it is in person.