ABSTRACT

This chapter is an analysis of the evolution of distance education from the mid-1980s to the present. It is a personal journey during which the field of distance education evolved dramatically. The chapter begins at the time distance education expanded exponentially with the development of open distance education institutions providing broad access to standardized learning modules. The chapter explores the field of distance education as the technological possibilities challenged the definition and delivery of traditional distance education based largely on independent study. The limitation of independence and even interaction as a core distance education concept was revealed as we began to explore constructivist approaches to learning and the importance of constructing personal meaning and validating shared understanding. The inherent social nature of an educational experience draws our attention to the role of collaboration and community in constructing meaning and a confirming understanding.