Moving back in the time zone to a couple of decades earlier, how do you see a person who has earned a bachelors degree? He or she may be in their early twenties; staying in a hostel or near the university with parents sending the term fees. All the student had to do was go to the university every morning, attend classes all day, make projects and assignments, come back to their accommodation in the evening and prepare for the next day. Even this was only possible for those who could afford to pay the University dues in time and had some one back at home to do the earning. In earlier days student who didn’t have enough financial assistance had to give up school and earn their livelihood. Going to college and acquiring a degree turned out to be a dream that never seemed to be fulfilled. Once stuck into the fulfilling the needs of shelter and food, education never got its turn. Work and education could not walk side by side.
As time sped by, expenses got higher. It has now almost become impossible to run a family with one person working. Almost every member of the family after reaching age of maturity goes out into the practical field of life. Yet education always walks alongside career. The reason behind this great turnover is the evolution of a new concept known as “Online Education”. Online education came into the scene after the victorious advent of the internet and technology age. The complicated gadget named as “Personal Computer” had gained so much popularity with time that it had became a necessity in very house. That is when online education came into the scene. Although Online Education is still in its very early stages yet it has attracted a huge number of students.
Online Education can be termed as the most precious gift, the internet as given to a common man. E-learning, began when companies started to educate their employees about the further advancements in their work. Those were the times when computer had begun to popularize and were mostly found in offices of companies and organizations. There were some problems at those times, mostly related to the time co ordination between the instructors and students. However after a few years the multimedia technology came into existence and touched the height of fame in almost an instant. Then e-learning became even more convenient with the use of PowerPoint slides, educative games, and other programs. The process on online education was still quiet slow and restricted to only a few regions.
After the advent of the new millennium, technology came with new horizons which were accessible to all. The internet was streamed with institutions offering online courses and degrees. Students had found a way to continue there studies along with there jobs. Businessmen and professionals had found a way to further polish their skills. Web servers were much faster and could easily bear the load of videos and presentations. Lectures could be recorded and viewed any time the student wished. Solving queries became much easier. Learning had become easier and is still continuing to be.
The very first type of online education can be traced back to the end of 1980s or in the beginning of 1990s. This was when, as mentioned earlier, companies used e techniques to educate their employees. By the end of 1990s it started to spread over to the college students as well but was still restricted to a few regions only. Online education got its biggest boost in the new millennium and just shot to heights of success in almost a leap.
By: Keith Londrie
Posts Tagged ‘Gadget’
Online Education – A Brief History
March 24th, 2010The Role of Technology in Education
March 19th, 2010
In the current age we live in, technology has become an important component. Every day there is some new gadget or software that makes lives easier and improves on the technology and software that already exists. Making lives easier is not, however, the only role technology plays in our lives.
Technology is playing an increasing role in education. As technology advances, it is used to benefit students of all ages in the learning process.
Technology used in the classroom helps students adsorb the material. For example, since some people are visual learners, projection screens linked to computers can allow students to see their notes instead of simply listening to a teacher deliver a lecture.
Software can be used to supplement class curriculum. The programs provide study questions, activities, and even tests and quizzes for a class that can help students continue learning outside the classroom.
Technology has also become part of many curriculums, even outside of computer and technology classes. Students use computers to create presentations and use the Internet to research topics for papers and essays.
Students also learn to use the technology available to them in computer and tech classes. This ensures that after graduation they will be able to use the technology in a work setting, which may put them ahead of someone who didn’t have access to a particular technology or software in their own school setting.
As technology advances, students have better access to educational opportunities like these. When something new and “better” is revealed, the “older” technology becomes more affordable, allowing it to be used in educational settings, even when schools are on a tight budget.
Technology has also advanced to help children even before they’ve started school. Educational video games and systems for young children helps them prepare for school and in some cases get a head start on their education.
There are people who may say children are “spoiled” by technology. Instead of being able to add a long column of numbers in their heads, for example, they turn to a calculator. Regardless of these arguments, technology is an important part of today’s society. By incorporating it into the classroom, students will be better equipped to transition from the classroom to the work place.
By: Paul Steinberg
