(1996-2000) - The Internet: A Turning Point
1996
Source: http://www.bakersguide.com/Distance_Education_Timeline/
- Version 3.0 of both Netscape and Explorer were released, further enhancing the web browsing experience making it more intriguing and easier to use for the novice.
- The Palm Pilot 1000 is released, which renews interest in handheld devices. Earlier devices such as the Psion and
Source: http://poynter.org/content/content_view.asp?id=75926
1997
- One of the first popular blogs is created, Dave Winer’s Scriptin News.
- Netscape Navigator 4.0 releases.
Source: http://poynter.org/content/content_view.asp?id=75929
1998
- DSL and Cable modems released for use in homes giving low-cost, always on, high-speed internet access to consumers where they live.
Source: http://www.coordinatorgeneral.qld.gov.au/enable/technical/internet.shtm
- 500 million of industry support pledged to the development of Internet 2 standards.
Source: http://poynter.org/content/content_view.asp?id=75932
1999
- U.S. Department of Education establishes the Distance Learning Education Demonstration Program to serve as a pilot program.
- Learning portals such as Blackboard, Click2Learn, and eCollege emerge.
Source: http://www.bakersguide.com/Distance_Education_Timeline/
- Blog publishing tool, Blogger is launched.
- Google comes out of beta and starts offering real services from a real office building, not a garage.
Source: http://poynter.org/content/content_view.asp?id=75935
2000
- eLearning emerges as the dot-com term for distance education
Source: http://www.bakersguide.com/Distance_Education_Timeline/
- Love Letter worm infects computers around the world.
Source: http://poynter.org/content/content_view.asp?id=75938
Comments:
DistEd (September 19, 2007. 03:57pm)
Post by Joleen Cannon
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From 1996 -2000 the introduction and maturing of internet technology was changing so quickly and in such a way that that it was difficult to predict the effect these changes would have on various industries, including that of Distance Education. The unification of web standards, improvement of web browsers and introduction of high-speed internet access to the home were among some key events that changed the face of what was possible technologically. The introduction of the blog and release of Google were examples of how just a short time after the internet technology was made mainstream, the products were maturing at a pace that was difficult to keep up with. These milestones were developed with individual visions by various companies and individuals yet they have come together a decade later to redefine Distance Education.
Prior to this period Distance Education was possible through CD or VHS but this type of technology was not interactive enough to provide what most people would consider acceptable for a quality education. Video teleconferencing was also an option but was very costly and not practical, besides it still required the student to be present at pre-determined location. But today with high-speed internet being the norm, applications such as Blackboard, Web 2.0, mobile devices, mature web browsers and the like, Distance Education greatly improved. It can reach a large amount of people and provide the level of interactivity that facilitates learning. Without these technologies the any time, any place, any pace concept of Distance Learning would not be possible.