Historical Delivery

First & Second Generation
Distance Education Delivery Mediums

First Generation 1850's to 1960	Second Generation 1960 to 1985
Print (1890+)	Audiocassettes
Radio (1930s)	Television
Television (1930s and 1960s)	Videocassettes Fax Print

Early distance education consisted of "one-way" communication delivery (print, radio & television). Sherron & Boettcher categorized 4 different generations of distance education. Distance Education prior to 1985 consisted of First & Second Generation Technologies. (14)

Historical Advantages of Distance Education

Increased access to education
Provided flexibility of time and location
Self-paced schedule
Inexpensive/Cost Effective
Easy to use and Spontaneous

Historical Disadvantages Distance Education

Primarily one-way communication
Courses lacked academic creditability & respect
Lack of quality programs/quality control
Inadequate & limited areas of study
Lack of social interaction & collaboration opportunities with fellow students
Limited feedback & ineraction with instructor
Inadequate access to traditional campus resources (i.e., library, labs, bookstore, etc.)

(4, 6, 12, 14)