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I recently had the pleasure of being selected as one of four graduate student representatives at the 2008 National Distance Learning Week Awards Ceremony at Drexel University.  The ceremony was held to recognize individuals who have contributed to eLearning and distance education.  Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell gave the keynote address, and both he and Laura Bush (former First Lady) received Online Leadership Awards.  Nine of Drexel's faculty received Outstanding Online Instructor Awards, and Joseph A. Frick, President and CEO of Independence Blue Cross, received an award for Outstanding Contributions to eLearning.

Yes, computers have certainly come a long way.

And, as tends to be the case, we humans adapt to our environments, which have progressively included more and more technology.  Power locks and windows***, cell phones, hybrid vehicles.  Digital coffee makers. Laptop computers, iPods, digital cameras, automatic doors.  The Internet. Innovations in materials engineering, fabric, and information technology. Voice-over IP.  Nintendo Wii.

Since our world is changing, it only makes sense that we broaden our educational approaches to reflect that.  When I was young, it wasn't important to be computer-savvy - you just had to type on the typewriter using the home row and not look at your fingers.  (Incidentally, we also had to walk uphill both ways in the snow to get to school, lugging our typewriters and Trapper Keepers with bookstraps.)  Now there are kindergarteners playing on computers.  Some schools in dire need of Science and Math teachers enroll their students in online courses.  And universities like Drexel are enabling students like me to complete entire graduate programs online, without the worry of receiving a sub-par education.