The History of E-Learning: When and How Did It Emerge?

In the world of education and training, the concepts of "e-learning" and "e-learning software" have rapidly spread in the age of technology. This article, equipped with information on when and how e-learning first emerged, examines the history of e-learning and its contributions to the field of education.

History of E-Learning E-learning, or electronic learning, technically began with the advent of modern technology. However, the roots of distance education trace back much further, to the 1700s. One of the earliest examples is the correspondence course system initiated by Isaac Pitman in Boston in 1728. By the early 20th century, educational programs were being broadcast via radio and television (USDLA).

The modern concept of e-learning started in the 1960s in the United States. The first instance was the development of "Programmed Logic for Automated Teaching Operations" (PLATO) at the University of Illinois (University of Illinois, date unknown). By the 1980s and 1990s, with the proliferation of computers and the internet, e-learning systems had evolved significantly. In 1993, the "World Wide Web" (WWW) facilitated easier access to educational programs and materials (eLearning Industry, 2021).

Development of E-Learning Software E-learning software has seen significant advancements over time. Initially, these were simple software programs that delivered basic course content and assessed student performance. Today, e-learning software is more complex, interactive, and customizable.

• Learning Management Systems (LMS): Emerging in the 1990s, LMSs are software systems used to organize educational materials, monitor student performance, and manage educational processes (eLearning Industry, 2021).
• Authoring Tools: These tools help teachers and educational experts create and organize course materials, making them interactive and engaging.
• Adaptive Learning Systems: Aiming to provide a personalized learning experience, these systems offer content tailored to students' learning styles, speeds, and needs, leading to a more effective educational process (Li & Ni, 2011).
• Learning Analytics: These software programs analyze and evaluate data collected during e-learning processes, developing strategies to enhance student success and measure the effectiveness of educational programs (Siemens & Long, 2011).

The Future of E-Learning Continuous advancements in e-learning and e-learning software are making education increasingly digital and personalized. In the future, it is expected that technologies like artificial intelligence, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) will be more integrated into e-learning processes, enriching and making the educational experience more interactive (Clark & Mayer, 2016).

Conclusion E-learning has shown significant advancements throughout its history and has made substantial contributions to the field of education. The concept of distance education, which first emerged in the 18th century, has evolved into today’s e-learning and e-learning software systems with the development of technology. While e-learning has both advantages and disadvantages, ongoing technological advancements and innovations in education promise more efficient and interactive learning processes in the future.

By keeping up with current developments in e-learning and e-learning software, enriching your educational life, and continuously improving yourself, you can add value to your life and achieve success.

Sources

Ally, M. (2004). Foundations of educational theory for online learning. Theory and practice of online learning, 2(1), 15-44.

Bates, A. W. (2005). Technology, e-learning and distance education. Routledge.

Berge, Z. L., & Huang, Y. P. (2004). A Model for Sustainable Student Retention: A Holistic Perspective on the Student Dropout Problem with Special Attention to e-Learning. DEOSNEWS, 13(5).

Clark, R. C., & Mayer, R. E. (2016). E-learning and the science of instruction: Proven guidelines for consumers and designers of multimedia learning. John Wiley & Sons.

eLearning Industry. (2021). A Brief History of eLearning [Infographic]. https://elearningindustry