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Read the text below about Distance Learning and then answer the questions that follow.
For questions, 1-9, choose the best answer (A, B or C).
Distance Learning
Distance education has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the 19th century, long before the advent of computers and the internet transformed the world. This learning method allows students the flexibility to study from any location, making education more accessible to individuals who might face challenges in attending traditional schools.
Distance learning originated in the early 18th century when Caleb Phillips, a teacher in Boston, advertised shorthand lessons by mail in the American newspaper The Boston Gazette, marking the first known instance of distance learning. In the 19th century, distance learning thrived thanks to the improvement of postal services allowing educators like Isaac Pitman to teach shorthand via mail to students who were now able to submit assignments and receive feedback, which greatly enhanced their learning experience. By the dawn of the 20th century, several American universities had begun to acknowledge the potential of distance learning. They introduced ‘correspondence courses’, which enabled students who could not attend traditional classes—whether due to work obligations or geographical constraints—to pursue their studies by mail at their own pace. Nonetheless, in the early days, the distance learning programmes provided by those universities encountered several challenges, including insufficient support and unreliable postal services. These issues resulted in student isolation and delays in receiving course materials. Additionally, many students lacked essential resources at home, including books and a quiet learning environment, which slowed their progress.
The growth of distance education continued throughout the 20th century. After World War II, technological advancements, such as radio and television, transformed how educational content was accessed. In the 1950s and 60s, many countries began broadcasting educational programmes, allowing learners to access lessons from the comfort of their homes. For example, in the UK, the BBC produced educational television shows for schoolchildren, effectively bringing quality education into their living rooms.
With the development of computers in the 1970s and the emergence of the internet in the 1990s, distance learning underwent a significant transformation. Online courses gained popularity, enabling students to access materials, communicate with teachers, and submit assignments from anywhere, which benefited many individuals, especially working adults. Learning Management Systems like Moodle and Blackboard have made creating online courses easier, enhancing the learning experience. The pandemic further accelerated the growth of distance learning, transforming global education through innovation, accessibility, and new technologies, paving the way for a promising future.
1. What does the word ‘advent’ in the 1st paragraph mean?
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