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The Western Behavioral Sciences Institute
The Western Behavioral Sciences Institute uses computer conferencing to provide a distance education program for business executives. -
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Online Learning Timeline
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Electronic University Network
Ron Gordon, Atari's former president, launches the Electronic University Network to make online courses available for people with access to personal computers. -
Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale-Davie, Florida, creates the first electronic classroom through an accredited online graduate program. -
The National Science Foundation Network (NSFNET)
The National Science Foundation Network (NSFNET) launches the first open computer network — a precursor to the internet — allowing institutions to create and distribute electronic information. -
Jones International University
Jones International University opens in Centennial, Colorado, becoming the first fully web-based, accredited university. -
CALCampus
CALCampus introduces the first online-only curriculum with real-time instruction and participation — i.e., synchronous learning. -
Western Governors University
Nineteen U.S. governors found Western Governors University to help Western states maximize educational resources through distance learning. -
California Virtual University
California Virtual University — a consortium of California colleges offering around 700 online classes — opens. -
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) launches the OpenCourseWare Project to provide free MIT courses to people worldwide. -
Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), a free online course resource, becomes available through Udacity and enables learners to take classes asynchronously at their own pace. -
COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic forces nearly every college and university to switch to online learning rather than hold classes in person.