E-Learning and online education has evolved significantly since the early 1980s. [1] Early implementations of e-learning focused on computer-based training programs for employees and used technologies like telephone lines and modems to deliver course content. [2] In the 1990s, the rise of the World Wide Web enabled better distribution of information online and the first academic institutions began offering full online courses. [3] However, early adopters faced many challenges as they worked to transition curriculum developed for in-person classes into online formats without considering student interaction and technology usage. [4] The solution was adopting formal instructional design processes to develop online courses that fully leveraged available technologies through synchronous and asynchronous strategies and effective evaluation methods.

1. E-Learning
The History of Online Education
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2. Section Topics
Section One
Personal Experience
Section Two
The Beginnings
Section Three
Teething Problems
Section Four
Addressing the Challenges
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3. Personal Experience
I first became interested in online training in 2003 when I worked for a
community bank with limited funds for staff development.
Enrolled in MSc E-Learning in 2003 and graduated in 2007.
Research / Thesis was titled “A Study of Online Teaching and Learning
Experiences in Higher Education” and focused evaluating online teaching
and learning experiences based on existing models of teaching online.
Since then I have been involved in teaching / training and instructional
design both in my full-time job as well as my adjunct work.
CampusOne was the University of
Ulster’s first online / E-Learning
“campus” launched in 2002.
http://www.koshland-science-museum.org/node/add
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4. The Beginnings
E-Learning or Online Learning within colleges and universities, evolved
from the correspondence learning model, which had been around for
many years.
In the business word, E-Learning began in the early 80s with computer
based programs used to train employees.
Most early E-Learning course were
1992 saw the beginning of the World Wide Web and with it came better
delivered directly through he use of a
ways to distribute and access information via the Internet. telephone line and a Modem.
The Mid – Late 1990s saw the growth of academic institutions offering
online courses. CalCampus was one of the early innovators, which
previously offered computer assisted learning programs dating back to
1982.
By the early 21st century, many educational institutions began offering E-
Learning options and many business organizations took advantage of the
opportunities presented by the web and online training initiatives.
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5. Teething Problems
Commercial Word
Business organizations tried to
integrate E-Learning as a cost-
saving approach to training.
Often they did not have the
expertise needed and required
the help from outside
consultants.
Academic World
Early adopters who were
experienced with the
correspondence model
continued to integrate this
approach in the online
environment!
Source: http://trinarimmer.com/2010/07/29/the-evolution-of-e-learning-adoption/
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6. Addressing the Challenges
Instructional Systems Development is the process of developing courses that are
well designed and thought out, which meet a specific set of learning objectives.
It is necessary to adopt proper ISD principles to the online learning environment.
Temptation to simply “package” lessons and curriculum from face-to-face and
correspondence materials to the online format was common.
Unfortunately this led to poor use of the technology available. In cases where face-
to-face material was used in an online course, considerations for student-
student, student-instructor interaction were not made. “ADDIE is an acronym for
Analysis, Design, Development, Implem
The solution was to develop a plan for robust ISD specifically for online courses that entation, and Evaluation. This model
would make use of all the available technologies. guides you through the process of
creating effective educational courses
and materials for your audience.”
Synchronous strategies – Live web-conferencing and chat
Asynchronous strategies – Proper use of multi-media learning objects, discussion and collaboration technologies
Evaluation strategies – Ways to effectively “test” students knowledge at a distance.
>>> Fast Forward …. How are we doing today in 2012?
Image Source: http://www.instructionaldesignexpert.com/addie.html
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Sept 22, 2012

7. Additional Sources
The challenges of the learning object paradigm
http://www.cjlt.ca/index.php/cjlt/article/viewArticle/107/100
Evolving business models in eLearning
http://www.e-learningcentre.co.uk/Resource/CMS/Assets/5c10130e-
6a9f-102c-a0be-
003005bbceb4/form_uploads/e_learning___Evolving_business_models_i
n_e_learning_2001__SRIC_.pdf
Impact and Challenges of E-Learning In the business word
http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ers0303/rs/ers03036.pdf
An informal history of eLearning
http://www.internettime.com/Learning/articles/xAn%20Informal%20Hist
ory%20of%20eLearning.pdf
Promoting E-learning in the Academic Environment
http://lisr.ro/en12-erichvargolici.pdf
Teaching in an online learning context
http://www.aupress.ca/books/120146/ebook/99Z_Anderson_2008-
Theory_and_Practice_of_Online_Learning.pdf#page=355
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8. Questions
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September 16, 2012