Distance Learning

Distance learning is any form of education that is done anywhere but "on site". The U.S. Department of Agriculture states that distance learning "is a process to create and provide access to learning when the source of information and the learners are separated by time and distance, or both. Basically you can create an educational experience that is just as good as in a school with distance learning. If there is any time that the student has to appear at a bricks and mortar location for testing, or anything else having to do with the education, it is no longer considered distance learning but it is considered a hybrid or blended method of education. Because of the Internet and other technology advancements we are seeing a growing trend in distance learning.

When using today's technology there are different ways of categorizing the delivery method of the educational curriculum. When you have a group of people online at the same time as in a web conference or virtual classroom it is considered synchronous. When the curriculum is available online but not dependent on others to be involved at the same time it is considered asynchronous.

Forms of synchronous technology are: web based VoIP, video conferencing, web conferencing and telephone. Forms of asynchronous technology are CD/cassettes, email, message forums, printed materials including text books, voice mail, fax, DVD/videocassette.

Some schools offer 100% online education and online curriculum. Others may use correspondence through regular mail. There are also those that provide curriculum on DVD or CD-ROM, PC/Mobile learning, and radio or television. With technology there are no limits to what can be done from a distance.

Some of the benefits of distance learning are:

• Accessibility - if students can't attend a traditional schooling environment because of their location, career or other reasons this is a great option because you can never live too far away and you don't have to switch schools when you move.
• Life long learning - because of the ease of distance learning and how many it can reach it promotes life long learning.
• Exposure to new technology - those who take part in distance learning may be part of technology that otherwise they would not be exposed to.