Correspondence training is a form of distance learning, in which students receive instruction from a remote teacher and submit assignments by mail, email, or other electronic means. It has been used for centuries as a way to provide learning opportunities to students who are not able to attend a traditional school setting. Correspondence training has been used in many areas, including business, engineering, medical, and legal fields. This article will discuss the history of correspondence training, its advantages and disadvantages, and its modern applications.
History of Correspondence Training
Correspondence training has a long history, dating back to the 19th century. The first known correspondence school was founded in England in 1728, and provided instruction in a variety of subjects such as anatomy, mathematics, and Latin. In the United States, the first correspondence school was established in 1873, offering instruction in bookkeeping and business.
The expansion of the railroad and postal services in the late 19th century enabled the growth of correspondence training. By the early 20th century, correspondence schools had become popular alternatives to traditional schools, as they allowed students to learn in their own homes without having to travel to a physical classroom.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Correspondence Training
Correspondence training has several advantages compared to traditional schooling. It allows students to learn at their own pace and in their own time, and can be tailored to fit the individual needs of each student. Correspondence training also gives students the flexibility to continue their education while still pursuing other activities, such as a job or caring for family members.
However, there are also some disadvantages to correspondence training. Without the presence of a teacher, it can be difficult to motivate students to stay on track and complete their assignments. Additionally, it can be difficult to determine the quality of instruction, as there is no face-to-face interaction with the instructor.
Modern Applications of Correspondence Training
Today, correspondence training is used in a variety of settings, including higher education, corporate training, and military training. It is also used to provide instruction in a variety of fields, including business, healthcare, and technology. Additionally, many universities and colleges now offer online courses, which are a form of correspondence training.
Conclusion
Correspondence training is a form of distance learning, in which students receive instruction from a remote teacher and submit assignments by mail, email, or other electronic means. It has a long history, and has been used to provide learning opportunities to students who are unable to attend traditional schools. Additionally, it has several advantages compared to traditional schooling, including the flexibility to learn at one’s own pace and the ability to continue one’s education while still pursuing other activities. However, there are also some disadvantages to correspondence training, such as the lack of face-to-face interaction with the instructor and the difficulty in motivating students to stay on track. Today, correspondence training is used in a variety of settings, including higher education, corporate training, and military training.
References
Chen, X. (2014). The history of distance education: A short review. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 15(2). https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v15i2.1789
Hoffmann, H. (2010). The challenges of distance learning: A student perspective. The Internet and Higher Education, 13(2), 95-100. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2009.08.004
Kolb, D.A. (1984). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
Rogers, A. (2008). The role of correspondence schools in the history of distance education. Distance Education, 29(1), 5-21. https://doi.org/10.1080/01587910802088461