Online classes are the order of education now. Since online classes are the future of education, it is interesting to know how online classes have started and how they evolved to become such a dominant presence in education. Online classes could either be the materials delivered through a learning management system, recorded lectures, concept videos using animations and other design technologies, or a blend of all this.
Overhead projectors and Televisions were used in education from the 1950s onwards. However, that can not be called an online class. In 1960, the University of Illinois conducted a class using computer terminals connected using a local area network. This experiment can be called the primitive form of the online class. Lots of experiments went on in this field over the years. In1984 Toronto University conducted an online class that had all the features to be called the first-ever online class/education ever conducted in the world. However, that was also not the first comprehensive full-fledged online class. In 1989, the University of Phoenix launched the first-ever online bachelor’s and master’s programmes. This is considered the first comprehensive online class with a proper structure and method of learning. Online classes have been getting facelifts since then with the advancement of technology. Every milestone achieved in information technology has been pushing online classes to new heights of sophistication.
In India, online classes evolved from the distance learning courses conducted by different universities. E-learning materials were initially provided as PDF or other forms of materials. Later, it evolved into advanced learning management systems having course materials in a structured manner.
Well, will online classes continue after the pandemic? Will we go back to our age-old classroom learning leaving online class and its advantages? The answer is definitely a big NO. The online class has its own definite advantages. The pandemic has made it inevitable to continue education. Now, the entire education fraternity is accustomed to the online class. Future certainly belongs to online classes. However, as we come out of the hardships and restrictions of the pandemic, real classroom learning will resume. Even then, the education community will not discard online classes. There will be a blend of both for a while. We can call this the real transition phase from classroom learning to online classes
Even after making so much progress and having been used by millions of students, people are still apprehensive about the effectiveness and advantages of online classes. This thought is being raised by people considering education in the traditional way of learning. The teaching and learning approach of online classes is entirely different. Online classes can have a very structured standardised method for learning supplemented by good content, experienced teachers, and good students fraternity. Online classes can also have a personalised student-centric approach in which each student has the opportunity to get individual attention. Convenience and affordability are the other most important advantages of online classes. Online classes have evolved so much that it can create a near-real classroom experience for teachers and students. The answer is very clear that online classes will work and will work very efficiently.
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