History

Distance education has been around since 1728 when an advertisement in a Boston newspaper was recruiting people to sign up for ‘the new method of shorthand writing.’  In the UK, the creation of the Postal Service in the 19th century led to a large increase in the number of courses taught by correspondence.  As technology advanced, more and more courses became available and in the 1960s, many different subjects were available to take via TV and radio broadcasts.  Can you imagine this guy as your professor?!?!

Distance Learning in Space!

Now, back in this day and age, the internet has revolutionized the way in which students can learn.  Gone are the days where one needs to spend many hours a week commuting to lectures and exams as there is a plethora of courses available to take in the comfort of your own home.  Another major advantage of distance learning is the access that one can have to some amazing guest speakers.  One example is of Gregory Olsen, a serial entrepreneur and space tourist who paid over $20 million to go into space to work on the International Space Station.  While in space, he talked to some science and astronomy students from all over the world – very cool!!