eLearning means “online learning”, “electronic learning” or “virtual learning”. This term is being in action since 1999, but according to the history that previous forms of learning existed in the first quarter of 19th century.
Background
Before internet was discovered, distance learning and courses were being offered to students for learning purposes on a particular area, skills or subject. In the early 18th century Isaac Pitman though his student’s shorthand via correspondence. This approach was introduced to improve writing speed and it was a successful approach which was equally popular amongst students, secretaries, journalists, teachers and other individuals. Isaac was a great teacher, students sent completed assignments via mail system and this approach started there by send them more work to be finished.
In 1924, the first testing machine was invented. This device was introduced to allow students to tests themselves. After testing machine, in 1954 a teaching machine was invented by a Harvard professor. This was developed for administration to schedule programs to their students. In 1960 first computer based training program was introduced.
The computer based training program introduced in 1960 was known as Programmed Logic for Automated Teaching Operations also called PLATO. It was initially designed for Illinois university students, but later used in other educational institutes of the same area.
eLearning Today
with the advance computer and internet technology in the late 20th century, eLearning is nowadays on its peak and it is expanded. The first MAC which was introduced in 1980 enabled users to have computer in their homes. Personal computers at home make it easier to learn certain subjects at the door step. In the in the decade of 90 people start virtual learning and these environments began popular in the globe. through this type of learning people access a huge amount of information and eLearning opportunities in simplest way.
In 2000’s eLearning entered into businesses. Businesses began using eLearning to train their employees and staff. It is a good technique to improve results by providing training to the new employees as well as the old ones. Because by this, employee can improve their skills which is directly proportional to the success of employer/business.
eLearning is fully developed industry in the current era. Most of the organizations including industries, schools, colleges and other educational areas are depended on this. Nowadays social learning is on peak which is an advance type of eLearning. It is not only famous in developed countries. Nowadays it is famous in developing countries like India, Sri Lanka, most of the countries in Europe, eLearning companies in Pakistan are also developing in a rapid speed.
