George Siemens in his discussion of distance education notes three elements of e-learning that have the potential to create both more effective learning experiences and create a unique flavor quite apart of F2F learning. Communication in the e-learning environment plays a key role in fulfilling that potential.

The anonymous and asynchronous nature of those communications has been highlighted as a distinguishing characteristic of distance education. Communications have evolved incredibly over the years. The first distance learning programs were correspondence courses. Classes have been broadcast over television. Much of this communication was either one-way or very slow. The advent of personal computers and the internet brought rapid and significant changes.

The basic discussion or bulletin board allows asynchronous communication. Chat rooms and instant messaging allow synchronous auditory communications. Technologies such as Skype now allow synchronous auditory and visual communications. Technologies such as podcasts and downloaded videos allow one-way communications which, unlike F2F lectures, can be reviewed time and time again.

These avenues of communication have completely reshaped distance learning. They can create rich and diverse collaborative communities of learners. No doubt these avenues of communicate will continue ro be developed or exploited in new ways. Cloud computing may be one major development in distance education. Organizations such as Global Classroom (http://www.globalclassroom.us/) are leading the way in this area. The increased use of PDAs and smart phones could bring the next wave of changes to communication in distance education.


Jeffries, M. The History of Distance Education Retrieved from http://www.digitalschool. net/edu/DL_history_mJeffries.html

Nasseh, B. (1997). A brief history of distance education. Retrieved from http://www.seniornet.org/edu/art/history.html

Oblinger, D. G., Barone, C. A., & Hawkins, B. L. (2001). Distributed education and its challenges: An overview. American Council on Education and Educause.

Siemens, G. (2005). Asynchronous. Retrieved from http://www.elearnspace.org/doing/asynchronous.htm

Siemens, G. (2005). Synchronous. Retrieved from http://www.elearnspace.org/doing/synchronous.htm