by Jennifer Tebo

Created on: May 10, 2008   Last Updated: May 20, 2008

Distance learning is a field of education that focuses on the pedagogy and andragogy, technology, and instructional systems design that aim to deliver education to students who are not physically able or choose not to educate themselves on site. Students who choose to use distance learning do not have to attend courses in person. Teachers and students can communicate at times the student can choose or the teacher sets, by exchanging printed or electronic media, or through technology that allows them to communicate in real time.

The types of technology that are used with distance learning are Synchronous and Asynchronous technologies.

Synchronous:

The telephone
Broadcast video
Internet chat (such as AIM)
Videoconferencing
Net meeting

Asynchronous:

Voice mail/fax
Videocassette
Audiocassette
E-mail
Print materials

Distance learning students tend to be older, and often have additional employment and family responsibilities, as compared to the more traditional student. Most distance learning students are over the age of 24, and this gives people the flexibility to continue working, or take care of their families while continuing on with their educations.

A person may choose distance learning over being on site at a college or university, because they may not be able to attend the institution in person. Some reasons may be that they are strapped for time, they may have children or they just do not have the means such as transportation to be there in person. Many students that choose distance learning are students from other countries that cannot attend a college or university in person.

Another reason that a person may choose to use distance learning is that many distance learning colleges or universities take a shorter amount of time to achieve a degree. Other people choose distance learning to finish their college education, such as getting a Distance learning bachelor degree, a Distance learning MBA or even getting a Distance learning PhD.

Distance learning online education has distinctive advantages over traditional education:

There is no commute time, which is a huge issue for people that hold down a full time job.
With distance learning a person can take classes whenever it is convenient for them.
A student can learn from the comfort of their home, and spend more time with their family.
Being under direct pressure is not a problem, because students work at their pace.
The overall flexibility of distance learning is the best reason to choose a distance learning program that is right for an individual.

Reasons for returning to school through distance learning:

Personal growth and development
Ability to pursue a degree while working
Potential for higher pay
Career advancement

Distance learning is a great opportunity for the person who has a family and a full-time job, but they want to advance in their career field. Distance learning programs give these people the break they need in order to succeed in the education field without all the obstacles.

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