Valdez_Teresa_Comments to Kim

"Why learn at a distance in the first place and why did all these advancements take place? From the earliest historical evidence of distance learning to the present day there is an express need and an express answer to that need: someone willing to teach at a distance and someone willing to learn at a distance. The innovations of technology with the television, recording and playback functionalities, and the giant leap of the computer and internet just facilitated this process. The current abilities of learning systems and management systems far extends the hopes of the earliest individuals to have the freedom of education anywhere at anytime. However, the reality of distance education is still changing. I personally took independent study courses while I was in high school and am now completing my masters online. I can see the very real change that has occurred since 1990. The future of distance learning is only limited by our own perceptions and creativity to use available technology and to dream the next generation of learning systems. :)"

Kim, I like how you mention that distance education developed primarily in response to a need. Isn't that the reason for all great developments in history? I too have to marvel at all of the changes in communication and education that have taken place since I was in high school in the early 1990s. Although distance and correspondence courses were around, the developments we are witnessing in learning management systems are exceptional in that they now allow learners to interact so much more with each other and with their instructors. It is so exciting!