When we talk about distance learning, a method of education where students and instructors are physically separated and communicate through technology or mailed materials. Also known as remote learning, it’s not new—it’s been around since the 1800s, long before the internet existed. Back then, it wasn’t Zoom calls or LMS dashboards. It was letters, printed packets, and postal delays. People in rural areas, working adults, and even soldiers during wars used these methods to keep learning. The goal was simple: get education to people who couldn’t get to a classroom.
Fast forward to the 1980s and 90s, and broadcast television, a medium used to deliver educational content to homes via TV channels became a big deal. The BBC and PBS ran courses on everything from math to history. Then came the internet. Suddenly, asynchronous learning, a form of education where students access materials on their own schedule without live classes took over. No more waiting for the next class. You could study at 2 a.m. after your shift or during lunch break. This shift didn’t just make learning convenient—it made it possible for people with jobs, kids, or disabilities to finally finish their education.
Today, distance learning isn’t a backup plan—it’s the main path for millions. Universities, companies, and even high schools rely on it. The rise of adult learning, the process by which adults acquire new skills or knowledge outside traditional schooling has pushed this even further. Adults don’t have time for rigid schedules. They need flexibility, clear goals, and content that connects to real life. That’s why modern platforms focus on bite-sized lessons, progress tracking, and practical outcomes—not just lectures.
What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t just a list of articles. It’s a map of how we got here. You’ll see how online learning, education delivered over the internet using digital tools and platforms became the most popular form of distance learning. You’ll learn why asynchronous courses beat live ones for working adults. You’ll even see how the easiest online courses for beginners are designed to feel effortless—because learning shouldn’t feel like a chore. These posts tie together the past, the present, and what’s next. No fluff. Just the facts that help you understand why distance learning isn’t going away—it’s only getting stronger.
Distance learning didn't start with the internet. It began in 1840 with mailed lessons and grew through radio, TV, and online platforms. Here's how it became a global education standard.
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