I stand amazed by the technological advancements and continued forward progression of virtual learning environments (VLE's) in the 1990's. I had no idea all of this was going on paving the way for me to experience what I am with FSO today! My limited computer knowledge was always on a beginner's level of literacy which kept me estranged from this "world" that's been evolving out there. What's so awesome about this 90's era is that many milestones and momentous advances were made. The detailed annals outline the historical progression and modernization of technology for VLE's and distance learning programs world wide. It seems the 1990's catapulted this amazing progression and students like me are reaping the benefits of online programs like FSO today.
I was one of those teachers who clung to the tradional way of teaching for fear of the technology take-over and influx of new literacies. Once upon a time there was Lotus and DOS based systems that assisted in ushering in this Digital nation which is at present. I thought we'd never get this far. 1990 was a monumental year as the concept of distance learning was popularized by innovative systems such as "HyperCourseware's" Teaching Theater (1990) which is very similar to VLE's we utilize today, "iEARN" which enabled over 50K students to be connected in one online classroom setting, and "SUNY Learning Network" (SNL) which created online courses for asynchronous delivery into the home via computer in 1994.
When Educators get together with a desire to see the expansion of school networking globally, phenomenal things begin to happen. That's what I see the 1990's did. For example, in 1992 "Convene International's" rapid growth of their successful distance education programs that networked numerous other schools, who as a result, offered their distance education programs online via the internet "iEARN" (mentioned previously) helped with the improvement of distance learning after hosting an international conference consisting of Educators. With what I am experiencing in my VLE through this awesome program at Full Sail, it is safe to say that school networking is global! We can communicate practically with anyone on the globe in social network environments and continue to educate one another as this techno age continues to climax. When it comes to the great scope of developments in the distance learning industry, the 1990's play a tremendous part. Are we at the apex of distance learning? If not, what new advancements will get us there in the 21st century...?
References:
History of virtual learning environments 1990s. (2007). HyperCourseware. In Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaRetrieved July 10, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_virtual_learning_environments_1990s
History of virtual learning environments 1990s. (2007). iEARN. In Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved July 10, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_virtual_learning_environments_1990s
History of virtual learning environments 1990s. (2007). Convene International. In Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved July 10, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_virtual_learning_environments_1990s
History of virtual learning environments 1990s. (2007). SUNY Learning Network. In Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved July 10, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_virtual_learning_environments_1990s
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