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Distance Learning is a viable alternative to 'traditional' schooling for a variety of people - it all depends on personal preference. Before considering distance learning ask yourself:

-  do I want to sit in a classroom?
-  do I have time to go to, then sit, in a classroom?

If 'no' is your answer to these questions, then you should consider distance learning. There are many schools, nationwide, that offer distance learning programs, some as an adjunct to their on-campus studies, and some who specialize in this type of education (e.g. University of Phoenix). However, as with virtually any decision to buy a 'product', you need to exercise care. There are many diploma and degree 'mills' going online with programs they claim are 'accredited', though this 'accreditation' may come from less-than-official agencies. Some may make very suspect claims, such as suggesting you can work on a master's or doctoral degree while earning a bachelor's degree! (See the article: About Accreditation).

Distance Education: Old or New?

The idea of distance learning, or distance education, is not new. Correspondence courses have been available for many years. But the information explosion of the late-20th century has turned every Internet-connected computer into a potential student desk in a worldwide classroom.

Many reputable traditional colleges and universities now offer full or partial degree programs online. And this development is not restricted to the United States; internationally, institutions suck as the U.K.'s Open University, and many others, also offer online degree programs.

What is Distance Learning?

Within a framework of rapid technological change and shifting market conditions, our education systems are faced with the challenge of providing expanded educational opportunities without expanded budgets. Many schools and institutions are answering this challenge by developing distance education programs. At its most basic level, distance education takes place when a teacher and student(s) are separated by physical distance, and when technology in some form (i.e., voice, video, data, print), is used to bridge this gap, often in conjunction with face-to-face communication. These types of programs offer adults an opportunity to gain higher education (either undergraduate or graduate studies), reaching those disadvantaged by limited time (including commitments to full-time employment), distance or physical disability.

Going the Distance

Distance education is not for everyone. Some will do very well, while others will not. Generally, distance learners must be self-motivated, disciplined, fairly computer literate, and able to work independently with a minimum of direction. Students without these qualities may find themselves better off in a classroom where there is structure and 'must-follow' schedules, than sitting at home in front of a monitor.

Distance education, and especially for-profit distance education, will continue to grow. As Internet bandwidth and availability increase, the notion of a classroom without walls, or of the world as a potential classroom, is becoming more of a reality and less of a strange notion.

Is Distance Education Effective?

Do distance education students learn as much as students receiving traditional face-to-face instruction? Research comparing distance education to 'traditional' face-to-face schooling seems to show that teaching and studying at a distance can be as effective as traditional instruction, when the method and technologies used are appropriate to the instructional tasks, there is student-to-student interaction, and when there is timely teacher-to- student feedback (Moore & Thompson, 1990; Verduin & Clark, 1991).

How is Distance Education Delivered?

While this article has tended to emphasize online distance learning, there are. in fact, a wide range of options available, falling into four major categories:

Voice - instructional audio tools include the interactive technologies of telephone, audioconferencing and short-wave radio; passive (i.e., one-way) audio tools include tapes and radio.

Video - instructional video tools include still images such as slides, pre-produced moving images (e.g., film, videotape), and real-time moving images combined with audioconferencing (one-way or two-way video with two-way audio).

Data - Computers sending and receiving information electronically; the term "data" is used to describe this broad category of instructional tools. Computer-based applications for distance education are varied and include:
electronic mail, fax, real-time computer conferencing, and Internet-based systems.

Print - a 'basic' element of distance education programs and the basis from which all other delivery systems have evolved. Various print formats are available including: textbooks, study guides, workbooks, course syllabi, and case studies.

Which Technology is Best?

Although technology plays a key role in the delivery of distance education, educators must remain focused on instructional outcomes, and guard against becoming too focused on the technology of delivery (the 'message', not the 'medium'). The key to effective distance education is focusing on the needs of the learners, all aspect of the content, and the problems that may be faced by the teacher, before selecting a delivery system. This approach may result in a mix of media, each serving a specific purpose.

Degrees for Profit?

While academic institutions are great at delivering course content, they are often not very good at controlling costs or understanding marketplace dynamics. Not surprisingly, the Internet has spawned for-profit organizations in the educational arena. A good example is the Pangaea Network, a joint venture of Durand Communications, Inc., and Webb Interactive Services, Inc. Pangaea acquired the Electronic University Network (EUN) in 1998. EUN, working with various colleges and universities, offered the first online degree programs in 1986 (before the World Wide Web had even been developed). EUN became the online education provider for America Online in 1992. Many of the participating institutions in EUN, and now Pangaea, are traditional public or private educational institutions.

There is a growing list of "profit-oriented" online colleges. A recent example is the University of Phoenix. This online virtual university (which is physically headquartered in Phoenix, and also offers part-time, on-campus study) offers online graduate degrees in business, education, human services, and technology. Although a for-profit organization, it is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. In many ways, the University of Phoenix provides the best of both worlds, excellent academics and computer-based distance education.

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