by Sarah Heller

Created on: September 11, 2009   Last Updated: September 15, 2009

Distance learning has changed a lot over the past few centuries. The first distance learning was done through correspondence courses targeted to people living in remote and rural areas who needed to learn a skill but did not have the ability to attend a trade school. Usually these classes offered a completion certificate, but today it is possible to earn many types of diplomas, certificates, and degrees online. There are many benefits to attending college from home, but the main ones are outlined below.

The first and most often cited benefit of distance learning is flexibility. Most distance-learning classes allow a student to schedule his or her time to go over class material on their own schedule and at a time that offers the most convenience. Please note that this does not mean that distance learning is always self-paced. Most schools and professors have schedules and deadlines that must be met for papers and exams. You do, however, have the ability to determine how best to meet those requirements. This allows for people in a variety of situations to take college classes. Working single mothers, military personnel in combat zones, and traveling salespeople have all found the flexibility of online classes to work for them.

Another great benefit of online classes is their accessibility. Taking courses on line can allow students with physical disabilities to attend college. Distance learning also makes classes available to older people who may have problems with driving longer distances or at night. The access to colleges that are not in the immediate area is also another way that online and distance learning improves accessibility. Students from rural areas of the country with very limited access to colleges (especially those that offer master's degrees) can now complete a higher-level degree than what they were able to with their local community college.

Attending college at home can be cheaper than a traditional program, as well. Online students do not have to pay for student activity fees or the outageous room and board costs associated with most traditional universities. Many universities offer their online classes at reduced rates. Furthermore, the savings from not having to provide transportation to and from classes can be a significant factor for many people in the decision to take classes from home.

Online distance learning is one of the fastest-growing segments of the Internet today. With advanced degrees becoming mandatory for so many people, distance learning is becoming more accepted by many employers, and is swiftly becoming a great way for students to economically attain a higher education.

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