Welcome to this IELTS Practice General Reading Test on Education.
You have 20 minutes to complete the test.
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions in order.
The Evolution of Distance Learning
Distance learning has come a long way since its inception in the 19th century. Initially, it took the form of correspondence courses, where students received materials by mail and returned completed assignments the same way. This method, while revolutionary for its time, was slow and lacked immediate feedback.
The advent of radio and television in the 20th century brought new possibilities to distance education. Broadcasts could reach wider audiences simultaneously, though interaction remained limited. The Open University in the UK, founded in 1969, pioneered the use of television and radio for higher education, making learning more accessible to those unable to attend traditional institutions.
The digital age has transformed distance learning dramatically. The internet has enabled real-time interaction between students and instructors, regardless of geographical location. Online platforms now offer a wealth of resources, from recorded lectures to interactive quizzes. Video-conferencing tools allow for virtual classrooms, mimicking the face-to-face experience.
Moreover, the concept of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) has democratized education further. Launched in 2008, MOOCs provide free access to university-level courses from prestigious institutions worldwide. This has opened up opportunities for lifelong learning and professional development to millions globally.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 accelerated the adoption of distance learning technologies across all educational levels. Schools and universities worldwide were forced to quickly adapt to online teaching methods, highlighting both the potential and challenges of remote education.
Questions:
Answer the following questions using NO MORE THAN ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER.
Multiple-Choice Questions:
1. Which era saw the birth of remote education?
a) 18th century b) 19th century c) 20th century
2. What method of instruction characterized the earliest form of distance learning?
a) Broadcast lessons b) Online tutorials c) Postal education
Fill-in-the-Blank Questions:
3. A British institution established in _____ pioneered the use of broadcast media for higher education.
4. The digital era has facilitated ______ communication between educators and learners, regardless of their physical location.
5. Contemporary online educational platforms provide a range of resources, including recorded talks and interactive ______.
6. Remote classroom experiences are made possible through ______ software, replicating in-person interactions.
7. A new educational model offering complimentary university-standard courses to a global audience was introduced in ________.
8. This innovative approach to education has created opportunities for ongoing _______ and professional growth.
9. The global health crisis in 2020 expedited the implementation of _______ learning across various educational stages.
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For more practice tests, you can also visit Academic Reading Test: Sports And Exercise and Reading Practice: Unraveling Ancient Rome’s Legacy
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