World Distance Learning Day

August 31 is World Distance Learning Day. This day celebrates the learning process outside traditional classrooms. Online education is developing rapidly, and many believe that in the future it may completely replace traditional formats.

History

World Distance Learning Day was created to raise awareness of the many tools and opportunities available to students, and to celebrate the progress of distance education over time. The first correspondence school in the United States was established in 1873, soon followed by universities offering similar opportunities. The Open University popularized distance learning in the 1960s. From the beginning, universities have led the way in new technologies and teaching methods, providing a real alternative to classroom education. The internet transformed distance learning, making it faster, easier, and more accessible. Since the first fully remote course in 1984, both online materials and the number of students have grown rapidly. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, even more students than ever turned to distance learning.

Interesting Facts

Distance learning began with shorthand courses. In 1728, Caleb Phillips published lectures on a new form of shorthand in the Boston Gazette and sent courses by mail. In the 1840s, Sir Isaac Pitman expanded this idea in England, also teaching shorthand by mail—students would send him a postcard with their work, which he corrected and returned. Pitman’s course quickly gained popularity.

How to Take Part

Even if you have already graduated, you can celebrate World Distance Learning Day by deciding to learn something new! Today, there is an enormous variety of online courses—foreign languages, programming, interior design, and so much more. Choose a course and start learning!

When is World Distance Learning Day in 2025?

World Distance Learning Day is observed on August 31 each year.

Observations