Correspondence Schools and Courses

Correspondence schools and courses have a long history in the educational development of students around the world. It has offered millions of people the chance to pursue their educational goals without actually physically attending a school. It has allowed them the ability to advance their education while in remote areas of the world or as parents or employees to busy to attend a school. While correspondence schools are not for everyone, it has a long history of success. Nowadays, correspondence courses have virtually been replaced by online learning using the computer.

Distance learning, like learning by correspondence, means students and teachers learn by exchanging email, online forums, message boards, or some other sort of method using a computer. Instead of attending courses in person, teachers and students learn at a distance at a time of their own choosing. The following is a brief history of learning by correspondence to the modern version of long distance learning.

0001 - Distance learning can be traced back to invention of writing.
1775 - The first postal system appears in the United States when Benjamin Franklin is appointed the very first postmaster general.
1840 - The first correspondence course is offered by Isaac Pitman who basically invented shorthand.
1847 - Stamps are issued for the first time in the United States.
1858 - Queen Victoria authorizes the External Programme making the University of London the first university to offer distance learning.
1860 - The Pony Express becomes the first fast mail service prior to the telegraph
1892 - University of Chicago offers the first official learning by correspondence program.
1921 - Pennsylvania State College offers the first correspondence courses on the radio.
1933 -University of Iowa offers begins broadcasting courses on television.
1939 - John Astanasoff invents the first digital computer - ABC.
1953 - IBM designs the IBM 701 - the first commercially sold computer.
1970 -Walden University is established.
1971 - The first email system is used on the ARPANet.
1976 - University of Phoenix is established.
1981 - IBM introduces its first personal computer, the IBM 286 for use in the home, office and schools.
1993 - The Internet is born with the arrival of Mosaic, the first web browser.
1994 - Netscape becomes the first commercial web browser.
1998 - Google
2009 - University of Phoenix becomes the first online university to have almost 500,000 students

With the arrival of the modern computer and the World Wide Web or the Internet, distance learning has evolved into a critical component of modern education. Most colleges and universities in North America offer courses online, while an entire industry has developed around the concept of online learning. There are every conceivable online course available to members of the general public. The wonderful thing about distance online learning is that there are no national borders, and potential students around the world now have access to the same opportunities. Online learning has the ability to make the world a better place. In some ways, it already has. Below are some of the top correspondence schools:

University of PhoenixUniversity of Phoenix

Since 1976 the University of Phoenix has helped close to half a million students overcome the challenges of balancing work and money to earn their long distance learning degree. As one of the leading universities to offer 100+ long distance learning courses at all levels, the University of Phoenix offers quality education in a broad range of subjects from business to science and education. If you're thinking about getting your degree, we can help you reach your goal while you work and much sooner than you might expect.

Kaplan UniversityKaplan University

There are a number of universities or colleges that offer long distance learning in a variety of subjects, but one critical feature that sets Kaplan University apart from the others, is their emphasis on showing students how to absorb and apply the knowledge acquired in that process. Today Kaplan University is thought of as one of the few well renowned universities in Canada and the United States that offers master's, bachelor's, associate's, and professional degrees as long distance programs.

Strayer University

Strayer University is another one of those schools where students can get a long distance learning degree. It is one of the few universities around that provides various distance learning programs as convenient as possible and quality education in a supportive environment. They even offer advice on scholarships, current degree requirements and guidelines for financial assistance. Their flexible academic programs make it possible for you to earn a competitive bachelor's or master's degree on your schedule, without interrupting your personal or professional life.

Argosy UniversityArgosy University

At Argosy University our long distance learning programs are designed to suit your lifestyle. Depending on the program you select, you may be able to choose from day, evening and weekend schedules. Many of our classes are accessible online providing outstanding instruction and resources no matter where you are or what time of day it is. We offer the most flexible and convenient learning formats available online which allows you to log into online classes any time of the day or night. Check us out today.

Distance Learning by

Location