AIU Online - American InterContinental University

History of Online Education Delivery Systems
Online education and online degrees are the latest in distance learning technology. Online universities,
however, are far from the first distance education providers in America. The United States has a long
history of formal distance education, starting in the late 1700’s with mail order shorthand courses. Both
education and technology have continued to develop since then, and with today's Internet technology,
distance learning is easier and more popular than ever. The Web allows students to submit assignments
via email, interact with instructors and other students via webcam, check grades online, and read their
textbooks from CD-ROMs. Many students are choosing to complete their university degrees entirely
through online education delivery systems.

Traditional Universities Use Online Technology
Online universities are not the only ones to utilize online education delivery systems. Traditional universities
are actively using technology to lighten the paper load of both professors and students. It is not uncommon
that a university will adopt an online education delivery system through which students can check grades,
find out their assignments, read course materials, watch video clips, and chat with other students. Professors
post their class syllabi, course content, supplemental materials, and student grades. Using the same program, professors submit student grades to the university as well as student evaluations of the course.

Learning Opportunities
Some individuals may flourish in the online learning environment. Many schools archive lessons and discussions
from online classes, which allows students to find and go over subject matter as many times as they need. With technology advances moving innovation forward, there will probably be newer and better ways for students to access education and more reasons to explore an online education.